Victor Ponta

Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta has announced he is vacating the office for some time for health reasons.

A government statement quoted by state-owned AGERPRES news agency reads that a leave of "up to 45 days" will be requested by President Klaus Iohannis in a letter.

Ponta will request that his deputy Gabriel Oprea be named as his replacement for this period.

Vice Prime Minister Gabriel Oprea met Portugal's President Anibal Cavaco Silva on Thursday, at the Victoria Palace (the Government offices); the Portuguese head of state is paying an official visit to Romania.

Portuguese President Anibal Cavaco Silva (L) and Romanian Vice PM Gabriel Oprea shake hands before official talks at Victoria Palace

Political coordinator of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) Liviu Dragnea in Botosani on Wednesday said that Prime Minister Victor Ponta will need up to four weeks recovery period after foot surgery.

The decision of the Romanian Prime Minister to attend the opening of the first European Games in Baku on Friday was slammed by many in Romania, including the country's President.

Most leaders of EU countries have boycotted the opening of the games out of concern for Azerbaijan's human rights record.

Prime minister Victor Ponta revealed on Tuesday that his knee surgery performed in a Turkey clinic was "much more complicated than anticipated", expressing hope he would play sports again by December.

Romania's parliament on June 12 rejected a motion of no-confidence in the government of Prime Minister Victor Ponta who has been embroiled in a corruption inquiry.

Prime Minister Victor Ponta said Friday that the vote cast on the motion of censure against him and talk about a new parliamentary majority are over and the Government should continue its activities.

National Liberal Party (PNL) Co-Chair Alina Gorghiu says the rejection of the censure motion on Friday proves the disrespect and defiance of PM Victor Ponta and his colleagues of the Social Democrat Party (PSD). She asserts PNL will try again this autumn, when another censure motion would definitely succeed.

The joint plenary sitting of the Senate and Deputies' Chamber on Friday rejected the censure motion initiated by the National Liberal Party (PNL), called "Victor Ponta - dismissed for excess of power by blocking elections. Elective franchise is not a slogan!," having registered 194 votes in favour and 13 votes against.

Prime Minister Victor Ponta has stated on Friday, to the plenum of the Parliament, that Romania needs stability in order to avoid a political crisis such as that of the Republic of Moldova.