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{{Infobox civil conflict
<noinclude>{{User:RMCD bot/subject notice|1=Investigations involving Victor Ponta|2=Talk:2015 in Romanian politics#Requested move 26 April 2020 }}
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</noinclude>{{Infobox civil conflict
| title = 2015 Romanian political crisis
| title = 2015 Romanian political crisis
| partof =
| partof =
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| place = {{flag|Romania}}
| place = {{flag|Romania}}
| coordinates =
| coordinates =
| causes = <nowiki></nowiki>
| causes =
* Criminal investigation against [[Victor Ponta]] and members of his family
* Criminal investigation against [[Victor Ponta]] and members of his family
* Prime Minister's refusal to resign
* Prime Minister's refusal to resign
| goals =
| goals =
| methods = <nowiki></nowiki>
| methods =
* [[Motion of censure]]
* [[Motion of censure]]
* [[Protest]]
* [[Protest]]
| status = Ongoing
| status =
| result =
| result =
* Resignation of Victor Ponta
* Victor Ponta initially acquitted in 2018, appeal suspended since 2019
| side1 = [[President of Romania]]<br />{{collapsible list|title=Opposition parties|[[National Liberal Party (Romania)|National Liberal Party]]|[[Democratic Union of Hungarians in Romania]]|[[People's Movement Party]]|[[M10 (political party)|M10]]|[[Romanian Social Party]]}}
| side1 = [[President of Romania]]<br />{{collapsible list|title=Opposition parties|[[National Liberal Party (Romania)|National Liberal Party]]|[[Democratic Union of Hungarians in Romania]]|[[People's Movement Party]]|[[M10 (political party)|M10]]|[[Romanian Social Party]]}}
| side2 = {{collapsible list|title=[[Government of Romania]]|[[Social Democratic Party (Romania)|Social Democratic Party]]|[[National Union for the Progress of Romania]]|Alliance of Liberals and Democrats}}
| side2 = {{collapsible list|title=[[Government of Romania]]|[[Social Democratic Party (Romania)|Social Democratic Party]]|[[National Union for the Progress of Romania]]|Alliance of Liberals and Democrats}}
| side3 =
| side3 =
| leadfigures1 = [[Klaus Iohannis]]<br />[[Alina Gorghiu]]<br />[[Vasile Blaga]]<br />[[Hunor Kelemen]]<br />Eugen Tomac<br />[[Monica Macovei]]<br />[[Mircea Geoană]]
| leadfigures1 = [[Klaus Iohannis]]<br />[[Alina Gorghiu]]<br />[[Vasile Blaga]]<br />[[Hunor Kelemen]]<br />[[Eugen Tomac]]<br />[[Monica Macovei]]<br />[[Mircea Geoană]]
| leadfigures2 = [[Victor Ponta]]<br />[[Gabriel Oprea]]<br />[[Daniel Constantin (politician)|Daniel Constantin]]<br />[[Călin Popescu-Tăriceanu]]
| leadfigures2 = [[Victor Ponta]]<br />[[Gabriel Oprea]]<br />[[Daniel Constantin (politician)|Daniel Constantin]]<br />[[Călin Popescu-Tăriceanu]]
| leadfigures3 =
| leadfigures3 =
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| notes =
| notes =
}}
}}
During the first days of June 2015, the [[Government of Romania]] was rocked by criminal investigation against [[Prime Minister of Romania|Prime Minister]] [[Victor Ponta]] for 19 acts of [[corruption]]<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.romanialibera.ro/actualitate/eveniment/victor-ponta--la-dna-380908|title = Victor Ponta, URMĂRIT PENAL în dosarul lui Șova. Lista celor 19 infracțiuni de care este acuzat premierul. Iohannis îi cere demisia, Ponta refuză|date = 5 June 2015|accessdate = |website = România Liberă|publisher = |last = Dolana|first = Andra|last2 = Gherguț|first2 = Ondine|language = Romanian}}</ref> between 2007 and 2008, when he was [[lawyer]].<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-33020675|title = Romania PM Victor Ponta quizzed over alleged corruption|date = 5 June 2015|accessdate = |website = BBC News|publisher = |last = |first = }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url = https://news.yahoo.com/romania-pm-probed-over-tax-evasion-money-laundering-094210576.html|title = Romania PM fights resignation push after corruption probe|date = 5 June 2015|accessdate = |website = Yahoo! News|publisher = |last = Le Page|first = Isabelle}}</ref> Moreover, Victor Ponta is also investigated for [[conflict of interest]] during his premiership, when he propelled [[Dan Șova]], political ally and friend, in government positions.<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/05/romanian-prime-minister-faces-criminal-investigation|title = Romanian PM faces calls to step down over corruption allegations|date = 6 June 2015|accessdate = |website = The Guardian|publisher = |last = Borger|first = Julian}}</ref> His resignation was demanded by [[President of Romania|President]] [[Klaus Iohannis]] and several figures in opposition. Victor Ponta denies the allegations and refuses to resign, plunging the country in the second '''political crisis''' [[2012 Romanian constitutional crisis|in just three years]].
During the first days of June 2015, the [[Government of Romania]] was rocked by criminal investigation against [[Prime Minister of Romania|Prime Minister]] [[Victor Ponta]] for 19 acts of [[corruption]]<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.romanialibera.ro/actualitate/eveniment/victor-ponta--la-dna-380908|title = Victor Ponta, urmărit penal în dosarul lui Șova. Lista celor 19 infracțiuni de care este acuzat premierul. Iohannis îi cere demisia, Ponta refuză|date = 5 June 2015|access-date = |newspaper = [[România liberă]]|publisher = |last = Dolana|first = Andra|last2 = Gherguț|first2 = Ondine|language = Romanian}}</ref> between 2007 and 2008, when he was [[lawyer]].<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-33020675|title = Romania PM Victor Ponta quizzed over alleged corruption|date = 5 June 2015|access-date = |work = [[BBC News]]|publisher = |last = |first = }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url = https://news.yahoo.com/romania-pm-probed-over-tax-evasion-money-laundering-094210576.html|title = Romania PM fights resignation push after corruption probe|date = 5 June 2015|access-date = |work = [[Yahoo! News]]|publisher = |last = Le Page|first = Isabelle}}</ref> Moreover, Victor Ponta is also investigated for [[conflict of interest]] during his premiership, when he propelled [[Dan Șova]], political ally and friend, in government positions.<ref>{{Cite news|url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/05/romanian-prime-minister-faces-criminal-investigation|title = Romanian PM faces calls to step down over corruption allegations|date = 6 June 2015|access-date = |newspaper = [[The Guardian]]|publisher = |last = Borger|first = Julian}}</ref> His resignation was demanded by [[President of Romania|President]] [[Klaus Iohannis]] and several figures in opposition. Victor Ponta denied the allegations and refused to resign, plunging the country into the second '''political crisis''' [[2012 Romanian constitutional crisis|in just three years]].


There is an ongoing political stand-off between governing and opposition parties, also the largest parties: [[Social Democratic Party (Romania)|PSD]] and [[National Liberal Party (Romania)|PNL]]. The latter filed on 5 June a [[motion of censure]] against [[Ponta IV Cabinet]] for failing to organize the [[2014 Romanian presidential election|presidential election]] in [[Romanian diaspora|diaspora]] in November 2014.
There is an ongoing political stand-off between governing and opposition parties, which are also the two largest parties: the [[Social Democratic Party (Romania)|PSD]] and [[National Liberal Party (Romania)|PNL]]. The latter filed on 5 June a [[motion of censure]] against [[Ponta IV Cabinet]] for failing to organize the [[2014 Romanian presidential election|presidential election]] in [[Romanian diaspora|diaspora]] in November 2014.


== Criminal investigation against Victor Ponta ==
== Criminal investigation against Victor Ponta ==
Former prime minister Victor Ponta, former deputy Dan Șova, and Laurențiu Ciurel, former general manager of [[Rovinari Power Station|Complex Energetic Rovinari]], were acquitted.
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According to a press release from the [[National Anticorruption Directorate]] (DNA), Victor Ponta is accused of [[forgery]] under private signature (17 offenses), complicity in [[tax evasion]] through repeated and [[money laundering]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url = http://www.gandul.info/politica/victor-ponta-urmarit-penal-in-dosarul-lui-sova-acuzatiile-dna-fals-in-inscrisuri-complicitate-la-evaziune-fiscala-si-spalare-de-bani-14406663|title = Victor Ponta, urmărit penal în dosarul lui Şova. Acuzaţiile DNA: fals în înscrisuri, complicitate la evaziune fiscală şi spălare de bani|date = 5 June 2015|accessdate = |website = Gândul|publisher = |last = Dinu|first = Clarice|last2 = Hera|first2 = Mona|language = Romanian}}</ref> Likewise, DNA asked notice for beginning criminal prosecution of Prime Minister for [[conflict of interest]], in the case of [[Dan Șova]]'s promotion in the [[Government of Romania|Government]]. Thus, Victor Ponta becomes the first sitting Prime Minister of Romania to be prosecuted for corruption.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://stirileprotv.ro/stiri/actualitate/premierul-victor-ponta-este-audiat-la-dna-premierul-da-declaratii-in-cazul-in-care-este-cercetat-dan-sova.html|title = Procurorii DNA cer efectuarea urmaririi penale fata de Victor Ponta. Comisia juridica va informa pana luni cand da raportul|date = 5 June 2015|accessdate = |website = Stirile Pro TV|publisher = |last = |first = |language = Romanian}}</ref>

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According to a press release from the [[National Anticorruption Directorate]] (DNA), Victor Ponta was accused of [[forgery]] under private signature (17 offenses) and complicity in [[tax evasion]] through repeated and [[money laundering]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url = http://www.gandul.info/politica/victor-ponta-urmarit-penal-in-dosarul-lui-sova-acuzatiile-dna-fals-in-inscrisuri-complicitate-la-evaziune-fiscala-si-spalare-de-bani-14406663|title = Victor Ponta, urmărit penal în dosarul lui Șova. Acuzațiile DNA: fals în înscrisuri, complicitate la evaziune fiscală și spălare de bani|date = 5 June 2015|access-date = |newspaper = [[Gândul]]|publisher = |last = Dinu|first = Clarice|last2 = Hera|first2 = Mona|language = Romanian}}</ref> Likewise, DNA asked notice for beginning criminal prosecution of prime minister for [[conflict of interest]], in the case of [[Dan Șova]]'s promotion in the [[Government of Romania|Government]]. Thus, Victor Ponta becomes the first sitting prime minister of Romania to be prosecuted for corruption.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://stirileprotv.ro/stiri/actualitate/premierul-victor-ponta-este-audiat-la-dna-premierul-da-declaratii-in-cazul-in-care-este-cercetat-dan-sova.html|title = Procurorii DNA cer efectuarea urmăririi penale față de Victor Ponta. Comisia juridica va informa pâna luni cand dă raportul|date = 5 June 2015|access-date = |work = [[Pro TV|Știrile Pro TV]]|publisher = |last = |first = |language = Romanian}}</ref>


[[File:Victor Ponta la Palatul Parlamentului - 03.12.2013 (5) (11189246265).jpg|thumb|left|Prime Minister [[Victor Ponta]] is accused of 22 corruption acts.]]
[[File:Victor Ponta la Palatul Parlamentului - 03.12.2013 (5) (11189246265).jpg|thumb|left|Prime Minister [[Victor Ponta]] is accused of 22 corruption acts.]]
[[File:Conferinta de presa sustinuta de Dan Sova, la sediul PSD - 07.08 (1) (14834714276).jpg|thumb|PSD senator [[Dan Șova]] is investigated under judicial supervision for [[forgery]], [[tax evasion]] and [[money laundering]].]]
[[File:Conferinta de presa sustinuta de Dan Sova, la sediul PSD - 07.08 (1) (14834714276).jpg|thumb|PSD senator [[Dan Șova]] is investigated under judicial supervision for [[forgery]], [[tax evasion]] and [[money laundering]].]]
DNA accuses Victor Ponta that between October 2007 and December 2008 received 181,439 lei from the law firm of Dan Șova, under an agreement of collaboration.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url = http://adevarul.ro/news/eveniment/victor-ponta-audiat-dna-intr-un-dosar-coruptie-1_55714187cfbe376e35f1b825/index.html|title = Victor Ponta, urmărit penal pentru spălare de bani şi complicitate la evaziune fiscală. Preşedintele i-a solicitat demisia, Ponta refuză|date = 5 June 2015|accessdate = |website = Adevărul|publisher = |last = Cojocariu|first = Mihaela|last2 = Stoica|first2 = Mihai|language = Romanian}}</ref> To justify the money, Victor Ponta would be drawn up 17 fictitious invoices,<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.ziare.com/victor-ponta/dna/premierul-ponta-urmarit-penal-spalare-de-bani-si-17-infractiuni-de-fals-1366848|title = Premierul Ponta, urmarit penal: spalare de bani si 17 infractiuni de fals|date = 5 June 2015|accessdate = |website = Ziare.com|publisher = |last = Robu|first = Diana|language = Romanian}}</ref> because in reality Ponta wouldn't have provided any work for the law firm of Dan Șova.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url = http://www.realitatea.net/victor-ponta-audiat-la-dna_1714431.html|title = Ponta, urmărit penal de DNA pentru 22 infracțiuni în dosarul lui Șova. DNA cere ridicarea imunității|date = 5 June 2015|accessdate = |website = Realitatea.net|publisher = |last = |first = |language = Romanian}}</ref> As a result of tax audits, Ponta would be made 16 false documents to justify his juridical work at the law firm. The documents would be made using the "copy-paste" method, according to DNA prosecutors.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.cotidianul.ro/victor-ponta-urmarit-penal-de-dna-262720/|title = Victor Ponta, urmărit penal de DNA|date = 5 June 2015|accessdate = |website = Cotidianul|publisher = |last = Vișan|first = Alexandru|language = Romanian}}</ref> Of this money, Ponta has bought two luxury apartments in a residential complex in [[Bucharest]].<ref name=":2" /> Apart from the money received from the law firm, Ponta has also benefited from a [[Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution#Evolution X|Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X]], free of charge, from the law firm of Șova.<ref name=":1" /> The firm paid the advance and rates of 6,000 lei per month for the car used by Ponta, in total about 80,000 lei.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.hotnews.ro/stiri-esential-20212305-scurta-poveste-despre-implicarea-lui-victor-ponta-alaturi-dan-sova-laurentiu-ciurel-dosarele-turceni-rovinari.htm|title = O scurta poveste despre implicarea lui Victor Ponta, alaturi de Dan Sova si Laurentiu Ciurel, in dosarele Turceni si Rovinari|date = 5 June 2015|accessdate = |website = HotNews.ro|publisher = |last = Pirvoiu|first = Claudia|language = Romanian}}</ref> Subsequently, from the position of [[Prime Minister of Romania]], Ponta promoted Dan Șova in the Government,<ref name=":0" /> for which DNA accuses the premier of conflict of interest, given that previously he had received money and a car from Șova.
DNA accuses Victor Ponta that between October 2007 and December 2008 received 181,439 lei from the law firm of Dan Șova, under an agreement of collaboration.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url = http://adevarul.ro/news/eveniment/victor-ponta-audiat-dna-intr-un-dosar-coruptie-1_55714187cfbe376e35f1b825/index.html|title = Victor Ponta, urmărit penal pentru spălare de bani și complicitate la evaziune fiscală. Președintele i-a solicitat demisia, Ponta refuză|date = 5 June 2015|access-date = |newspaper = [[Adevărul]]|publisher = |last = Cojocariu|first = Mihaela|last2 = Stoica|first2 = Mihai|language = Romanian}}</ref> To justify the money, Victor Ponta would be drawn up 17 fictitious invoices,<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.ziare.com/victor-ponta/dna/premierul-ponta-urmarit-penal-spalare-de-bani-si-17-infractiuni-de-fals-1366848|title = Premierul Ponta, urmărit penal: spălare de bani și 17 infracțiuni de fals|date = 5 June 2015|access-date = |website = Ziare.com|publisher = |last = Robu|first = Diana|language = Romanian}}</ref> because in reality Ponta wouldn't have provided any work for the law firm of Dan Șova.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url = http://www.realitatea.net/victor-ponta-audiat-la-dna_1714431.html|title = Ponta, urmărit penal de DNA pentru 22 infracțiuni în dosarul lui Șova. DNA cere ridicarea imunității|date = 5 June 2015|accessdate = |website = Realitatea.net|publisher = |last = |first = |language = Romanian}}</ref> As a result of tax audits, Ponta would be made 16 false documents to justify his juridical work at the law firm. The documents would be made using the "copy-paste" method, according to DNA prosecutors.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.cotidianul.ro/victor-ponta-urmarit-penal-de-dna-262720/|title = Victor Ponta, urmărit penal de DNA|date = 5 June 2015|access-date = |newspaper = [[Cotidianul]]|publisher = |last = Vișan|first = Alexandru|language = Romanian}}</ref> Of this money, Ponta has bought two luxury apartments in a residential complex in [[Bucharest]].<ref name=":2" /> Apart from the money received from the law firm, Ponta has also benefited from a [[Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution#Evolution X|Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X]], free of charge, from the law firm of Șova.<ref name=":1" /> The firm paid the advance and rates of 6,000 [[Romanian leu|lei]] per month for the car used by Ponta, in total about 80,000 lei.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.hotnews.ro/stiri-esential-20212305-scurta-poveste-despre-implicarea-lui-victor-ponta-alaturi-dan-sova-laurentiu-ciurel-dosarele-turceni-rovinari.htm|title = O scurtă poveste despre implicarea lui Victor Ponta, alături de Dan Șova și Laurențiu Ciurel, in dosarele Turceni si Rovinari|date = 5 June 2015|accessdate = |work = [[HotNews]]|publisher = |last = Pîrvoiu|first = Claudia|language = Romanian}}</ref> Subsequently, from the position of [[Prime Minister of Romania]], Ponta promoted Dan Șova in the Government,<ref name=":0" /> for which DNA accuses the premier of conflict of interest, given that previously he had received money and a car from Șova.


On 5 June, DNA asked the [[Chamber of Deputies of Romania|Chamber of Deputies]] to approve premier's prosecution for conflict of interest, but the request was rejected by deputies, on 9 June. Lawmakers voted 231 against and 120 in favor of repealing Ponta's immunity.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://stirileprotv.ro/stiri/politic/zi-decisiva-pentru-victor-ponta-deputatii-decid-astazi-daca-premierul-isi-pierde-imunitatea-asa-cum-a-cerut-dna-live-text.html|title = Victor Ponta NU poate fi urmarit penal pentru conflict de interese. Ce se va intampla cu dosarul premierului de la DNA|date = 9 June 2015|accessdate = |website = Stirile Pro TV|publisher = |last = |first = }}</ref>
On 5 June, DNA asked the [[Chamber of Deputies of Romania|Chamber of Deputies]] to approve premier's prosecution for conflict of interest, but the request was rejected by deputies, on 9 June. Lawmakers voted 231 against and 120 in favor of repealing Ponta's immunity.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://stirileprotv.ro/stiri/politic/zi-decisiva-pentru-victor-ponta-deputatii-decid-astazi-daca-premierul-isi-pierde-imunitatea-asa-cum-a-cerut-dna-live-text.html|title = Victor Ponta NU poate fi urmărit penal pentru conflict de interese. Ce se va intampla cu dosarul premierului de la DNA|date = 9 June 2015|access-date = |work =[[Pro TV|Știrile Pro TV]]|publisher = |last = |first = }}</ref>


PSD senator [[Dan Șova]] is prosecuted since August 2014 for three offenses of complicity to [[abuse of office]],<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.gandul.info/stiri/dosarul-turceni-rovinari-dan-sova-acuzat-de-procurori-ca-a-luat-ilegal-bani-pentru-intelegeri-comerciale-care-au-pagubit-statul-cu-16-milioane-euro-13087103|title = Dosarul Turceni - Rovinari. Dan Şova, acuzat de procurori că a luat ilegal bani pentru înţelegeri comerciale care au păgubit statul cu 16 milioane euro|date = 15 August 2014|accessdate = |website = Gândul|publisher = |last = Biro|first = Attila|language = Romanian}}</ref> with obtaining undue advantages for himself or for another, after in 2007–2008 his firm, "Șova and Associates", concluded three contracts for legal aid with energy complexes [[Turceni Power Station|Turceni]] and [[Rovinari]],<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.evz.ro/senatorul-dan-sova-a-ajuns-la-dna.html|title = Senatorul Dan Șova a fost pus sub CONTROL JUDICIAR pentru 60 de zile|date = 5 June 2015|accessdate = |website = Evenimentul Zilei|publisher = |last = Ghidovăţ|first = Georgeta|last2 = Stanca|first2 = Andrei|language = Romanian}}</ref> after which they would be prejudiced by nearly 3.5 million lei.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.realitatea.net/dan-sova-audiat-la-dna_1629342.html|title = Dan Şova, audiat la DNA, în dosarul Turceni-Rovinari|date = 11 February 2015|accessdate = |website = Realitatea.net|publisher = |last = |first = |language = Romanian}}</ref> In the same case are prosecuted Laurențiu Ciurel, director of Investment at Rovinari Energy Complex at the material time, and former general manager of Turceni Energy Complex, Dumitru Cristea, for abuse of office.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.mediafax.ro/social/directorul-ciurel-de-la-ce-rovinari-este-urmarit-penal-de-dna-pentru-contractele-incheiate-cu-sova-13087096|title = Directorul Ciurel de la CE Rovinari este urmărit penal de DNA pentru contractele încheiate cu Şova|date = 13 August 2014|accessdate = |website = Mediafax|publisher = |last = Lupăşteanu|first = Cătălin|language = Romanian}}</ref> Dan Șova is also investigated by the National Anticorruption Directorate in the case of illegal retrocession of forests, along with former PSD deputy [[Viorel Hrebenciuc]] and Victor Ponta's father-in-law, [[Ilie Sârbu]].<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.gandul.info/stiri/dosarul-retrocedarilor-ilegale-finii-lui-basescu-dan-sova-si-gabriel-vlase-cercetati-de-procurorii-dna-13782853|title = Dosarul retrocedărilor ilegale: Finii lui Băsescu, Dan Şova şi Gabriel Vlase, cercetaţi de procurorii DNA|date = 23 January 2015|accessdate = |website = Gândul|publisher = |last = Biro|first = Attila|language = Romanian}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.mediafax.ro/social/dna-continua-cercetarea-lui-hrebenciuc-ilie-sarbu-si-dan-sova-intr-un-nou-dosar-13783220|title = DNA continuă cercetarea lui Hrebenciuc, Ilie Sârbu şi Dan Şova, într-un nou dosar|date = 23 January 2015|accessdate = |website = Mediafax|publisher = |last = Lupăşteanu|first = Cătălin|language = Romanian}}</ref> After a voting row, the [[Senate of Romania|Senate]] rejected on 2 June DNA request of retention and preventive arrest of Șova, being registered 66 votes "for" and 72 "against".<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.hotnews.ro/stiri-politic-20205289-ultima-ora-senatul-reia-azi-votul-cererea-justitiei-retinere-arestare-lui-dan-sova.htm|title = Senatul l-a salvat pentru a doua oara pe Dan Sova / Cererea Justitiei de retinere si arestare a senatorului PSD a fost respinsa|date = 2 June 2015|accessdate = |website = HotNews.ro|publisher = |last = Rosca|first = Iulia|language = Romanian}}</ref> As of 5 June, Dan Șova is under judicial review. Moreover, he's not allowed to leave the country or communicate with Victor Ponta.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.b1.ro/stiri/eveniment/dna-dan-sova-cercetat-sub-control-judiciar-video-113731.html|title = DNA: Dan Șova, cercetat sub control judiciar|date = 5 June 2015|accessdate = |website = B1.ro|publisher = |last = |first = |language = Romanian}}</ref>
PSD senator [[Dan Șova]] was prosecuted since August 2014 for three offenses of complicity to [[abuse of office]],<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.gandul.info/stiri/dosarul-turceni-rovinari-dan-sova-acuzat-de-procurori-ca-a-luat-ilegal-bani-pentru-intelegeri-comerciale-care-au-pagubit-statul-cu-16-milioane-euro-13087103|title = Dosarul Turceni - Rovinari. Dan Șova, acuzat de procurori că a luat ilegal bani pentru înțelegeri comerciale care au păgubit statul cu 16 milioane euro|date = 15 August 2014|accessdate = |newspaper = [[Gândul]]|publisher = |last = Biro|first = Attila|language = Romanian}}</ref> with obtaining undue advantages for himself or for another, after in 2007–2008 his firm, "Șova and Associates", concluded three contracts for legal aid with energy complexes [[Turceni Power Station|Turceni]] and [[Rovinari Power Station|Rovinari]],<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.evz.ro/senatorul-dan-sova-a-ajuns-la-dna.html|title = Senatorul Dan Șova a fost pus sub control judiciar pentru 60 de zile|date = 5 June 2015|access-date = |newspaper = [[Evenimentul Zilei]]|publisher = |last = Ghidovăţ|first = Georgeta|last2 = Stanca|first2 = Andrei|language = Romanian}}</ref> after which they would be prejudiced by nearly 3.5 million lei.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.realitatea.net/dan-sova-audiat-la-dna_1629342.html|title = Dan Şova, audiat la DNA, în dosarul Turceni-Rovinari|date = 11 February 2015|accessdate = |website = Realitatea.net|publisher = |last = |first = |language = Romanian}}</ref> In the same case are prosecuted Laurențiu Ciurel, director of Investment at Rovinari Energy Complex at the material time, and former general manager of Turceni Energy Complex, Dumitru Cristea, for abuse of office.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.mediafax.ro/social/directorul-ciurel-de-la-ce-rovinari-este-urmarit-penal-de-dna-pentru-contractele-incheiate-cu-sova-13087096|title = Directorul Ciurel de la CE Rovinari este urmărit penal de DNA pentru contractele încheiate cu Şova|date = 13 August 2014|accessdate = |website = Mediafax|publisher = |last = Lupăşteanu|first = Cătălin|language = Romanian}}</ref> Dan Șova is also investigated by the National Anticorruption Directorate in the case of illegal retrocession of forests, along with former PSD deputy [[Viorel Hrebenciuc]] and Victor Ponta's father-in-law, [[Ilie Sârbu]].<ref>{{Cite news|url = http://www.gandul.info/stiri/dosarul-retrocedarilor-ilegale-finii-lui-basescu-dan-sova-si-gabriel-vlase-cercetati-de-procurorii-dna-13782853|title = Dosarul retrocedărilor ilegale: Finii lui Băsescu, Dan Șova și Gabriel Vlase, cercetați de procurorii DNA|date = 23 January 2015|accessdate = |newspaper = [[Gândul]]|publisher = |last = Biro|first = Attila|language = Romanian}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url = http://www.mediafax.ro/social/dna-continua-cercetarea-lui-hrebenciuc-ilie-sarbu-si-dan-sova-intr-un-nou-dosar-13783220|title = DNA continuă cercetarea lui Hrebenciuc, Ilie Sârbu și Dan Șova, într-un nou dosar|date = 23 January 2015|accessdate = |website = Mediafax|publisher = |last = Lupăşteanu|first = Cătălin|language = Romanian}}</ref> After a voting row, the [[Senate of Romania|Senate]] rejected on 2 June DNA request of retention and preventive arrest of Șova, being registered 66 votes "for" and 72 "against".<ref>{{Cite news|url = http://www.hotnews.ro/stiri-politic-20205289-ultima-ora-senatul-reia-azi-votul-cererea-justitiei-retinere-arestare-lui-dan-sova.htm|title = Senatul l-a salvat pentru a doua oara pe Dan Șova / Cererea Justiției de reținere și arestare a senatorului PSD a fost respinsă|date = 2 June 2015|accessdate = |website = HotNews.ro|publisher = |last = Rosca|first = Iulia|language = Romanian}}</ref> As of 5 June, Dan Șova is under judicial review. Moreover, he's not allowed to leave the country or communicate with Victor Ponta.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.b1.ro/stiri/eveniment/dna-dan-sova-cercetat-sub-control-judiciar-video-113731.html|title = DNA: Dan Șova, cercetat sub control judiciar|date = 5 June 2015|accessdate = |website = B1.ro|publisher = |last = |first = |language = Romanian}}</ref>


On 13 July, Victor Ponta was summoned to DNA, where he was announced that was ordered a financial and accounting expertise.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://adevarul.ro/news/eveniment/premierul-victor-ponta-s-a-prezentat-dna-1_55a36bbef5eaafab2c853d74/index.html |title=Victor Ponta este inculpat. Procurorii au cerut o expertiză financiar-contabilă şi vor să pună sechestru pe o parte din averea acestuia |work=Adevărul |last=Cojocariu |first=Mihaela |date=13 July 2015 |language=Romanian}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/romania/11735906/Romanian-PM-Victor-Ponta-charged-in-corruption-probe.html|title = Romanian PM Victor Ponta charged in corruption probe|date = 13 July 2015|accessdate = |website = The Telegraph|publisher = |last = |first = }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.wsj.com/articles/romanian-prime-minister-victor-ponta-indicted-1436798566|title = Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta Indicted|date = 13 July 2015|accessdate = |website = The Wall Street Journal|publisher = |last = |first = }}</ref> Also at that time, DNA changed his quality in this case from suspect to defendant, the premier relying on the right to silence, so that he didn't give any statement to the prosecutor. Some of his property has been seized pending the outcome of the case.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-33503367 |title=Romania PM Victor Ponta charged with corruption |work=BBC News |date=13 July 2015}}</ref> Victor Ponta resigned as chairman of the ruling Social Democratic party a day earlier, saying he wanted to prove his innocence.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/13/romania-prime-minister-victor-ponta-questioned-corruption-inquiry |title=Romania's prime minister indicted in corruption inquiry |work=The Guardian |date=13 July 2015}}</ref> On 19 August, prosecutors seized an apartment of Victor Ponta, to recover the prejudice of 51,321.80 lei that would be produced from his complicity in tax evasion, amount determined after assessment performed in the "Turceni–Rovinari" case.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mediafax.ro/social/sechestru-apartament-ponta-recuperarea-unui-prejudiciu-51-321-lei-dna-documentul-publicat-ponta-facebook-prezinta-observatia-expertului-sova-concluzia-documentului-foto-14680869 |title=SECHESTRU pe un apartament al lui Ponta, pentru recuperarea unui prejudiciu de 51.321 lei. DNA, despre documentul publicat de Ponta pe Facebook: Prezintă observaţia expertului lui Şova, nu concluzia documentului |work=Mediafax.ro |last1=Ispas |first1=Livia |last2=Lupăşteanu |first2=Cătălin |date=19 August 2015 |language=Romanian}}</ref> On 17 September, Victor Ponta was sent for trial, going to be held at the High Court of Cassation and Justice.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gandul.info/stiri/victor-ponta-trimis-in-judecata-14717257 |title=VICTOR PONTA, TRIMIS ÎN JUDECATĂ |work=Gândul |last=Popescu |first=Andrei Luca |date=17 September 2015 |language=Romanian}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://stirileprotv.ro/stiri/actualitate/victor-ponta-trimis-in-judecata-de-dna-in-dosarul-rovinari-turceni.html |title=Premierul Victor Ponta a fost trimis in judecata de DNA in dosarul Rovinari-Turceni |work=Stirile Pro TV |date=17 September 2015 |language=Romanian}}</ref>
On 13 July, Victor Ponta was summoned to DNA, where he was announced that was ordered a financial and accounting expertise.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://adevarul.ro/news/eveniment/premierul-victor-ponta-s-a-prezentat-dna-1_55a36bbef5eaafab2c853d74/index.html |title=Victor Ponta este inculpat. Procurorii au cerut o expertiză financiar-contabilă și vor să pună sechestru pe o parte din averea acestuia |newspaper=[[Adevărul]] |last=Cojocariu |first=Mihaela |date=13 July 2015 |language=Romanian}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/romania/11735906/Romanian-PM-Victor-Ponta-charged-in-corruption-probe.html|title = Romanian PM Victor Ponta charged in corruption probe|date = 13 July 2015|accessdate = |website = [[The Daily Telegraph]]|publisher = |last = |first = }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url = https://www.wsj.com/articles/romanian-prime-minister-victor-ponta-indicted-1436798566|title = Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta Indicted|date = 13 July 2015|accessdate = |newspaper = [[The Wall Street Journal]]|publisher = |last = |first = }}</ref> Also at that time, DNA changed his quality in this case from suspect to defendant, the premier relying on the right to silence, so that he didn't give any statement to the prosecutor. Some of his property has been seized pending the outcome of the case.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-33503367 |title=Romania PM Victor Ponta charged with corruption |work=[[BBC News]] |date=13 July 2015}}</ref> Victor Ponta resigned as chairman of the ruling Social Democratic party a day earlier, saying he wanted to prove his innocence.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/13/romania-prime-minister-victor-ponta-questioned-corruption-inquiry |title=Romania's prime minister indicted in corruption inquiry |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |date=13 July 2015}}</ref> On 19 August, prosecutors seized an apartment of Victor Ponta, to recover the prejudice of 51,321.80 lei that would be produced from his complicity in tax evasion, amount determined after assessment performed in the "Turceni–Rovinari" case.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mediafax.ro/social/sechestru-apartament-ponta-recuperarea-unui-prejudiciu-51-321-lei-dna-documentul-publicat-ponta-facebook-prezinta-observatia-expertului-sova-concluzia-documentului-foto-14680869 |title=Sechestru pe un apartament al lui Ponta, pentru recuperarea unui prejudiciu de 51.321 lei. DNA, despre documentul publicat de Ponta pe Facebook: Prezintă observația expertului lui Șova, nu concluzia documentului |work=Mediafax.ro |last1=Ispas |first1=Livia |last2=Lupăşteanu |first2=Cătălin |date=19 August 2015 |language=Romanian}}</ref> On 17 September, Victor Ponta was sent for trial, going to be held at the High Court of Cassation and Justice.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gandul.info/stiri/victor-ponta-trimis-in-judecata-14717257 |title=VICTOR PONTA, TRIMIS ÎN JUDECATĂ |work=Gândul |last=Popescu |first=Andrei Luca |date=17 September 2015 |language=Romanian}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://stirileprotv.ro/stiri/actualitate/victor-ponta-trimis-in-judecata-de-dna-in-dosarul-rovinari-turceni.html |title=Premierul Victor Ponta a fost trimis in judecata de DNA in dosarul Rovinari-Turceni |work=Stirile Pro TV |date=17 September 2015 |language=Romanian}}</ref>


=== Reactions ===
=== Reactions ===
==== Domestic ====
==== Domestic ====
President [[Klaus Iohannis]] officially demanded the resignation of Victor Ponta.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gandul.info/stiri/iohannis-ponta-mi-a-spus-ca-se-va-gandi-la-demisie-primul-nume-de-premier-de-pe-lista-presedintelui-14407625 |title=Iohannis: "Ponta mi-a spus că se va gândi la demisie". Primul nume de premier de pe lista preşedintelui |work=Gândul |last=Dinu |first=Clarice |date=5 June 2015 |language=Romanian}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.digi24.ro/Stiri/Digi24/Actualitate/Politica/Klaus+Iohannis+declaratii+Victor+Ponta+urmarit+penal |title=Klaus Iohannis: Solicit demisia lui Victor Ponta |work=Digi24 |date=5 June 2015 |language=Romanian}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.dw.de/pre%C8%99edintele-a-cerut-demisia-premierului-ponta/a-18498176|title = Președintele a cerut demisia premierului Ponta|date = 5 June 2015|accessdate = |website = Deutsche Welle|publisher = |last = Pepine|first = Horațiu|language = Romanian}}</ref> "It's an impossible situation for Romania as the premier is accused of criminal acts. I solicit the resignation of Prime Minister Victor Ponta", the president said after a meeting with Prime Minister Victor Ponta at the [[Cotroceni Palace]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-06-05/romanian-prime-minister-ponta-probed-in-forgery-tax-fraud-case |title=Romania Premier Under Pressure to Quit Over Corruption Probe |work=Bloomberg |last1=Timu |first1=Andra |last2=Vilcu |first2=Irina |date=5 June 2015}}</ref> Shortly after Iohannis' request, Victor Ponta announced on [[Facebook]] that he doesn't resign,<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/romania/11655814/Romania-prime-minister-refuses-to-resign-over-corruption-allegations.html|title = Romania prime minister refuses to resign over corruption allegations|date = 5 June 2015|accessdate = |website = The Telegraph|publisher = |last = Day|first = Matthew}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.mediafax.ro/politic/cum-se-apara-victor-ponta-pe-facebook-de-acuzatiile-dna-14410201|title = Cum se apără Victor Ponta pe Facebook de acuzaţiile DNA|date = 5 June 2015|accessdate = |website = Mediafax|publisher = |last = Dincă|first = Thomas|language = Romanian}}</ref> claiming that his term as prime minister depends on Parliament.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ziare.com/victor-ponta/dna/ponta-nu-demisioneaza-desi-este-urmarit-penal-si-iohannis-i-a-cerut-sa-plece-1366878 |title=Ponta nu demisioneaza, desi este urmarit penal si Iohannis i-a cerut sa plece |work=Ziare.com |last=Badea |first=Camelia |date=5 June 2015 |language=Romanian}}</ref> Former President [[Traian Băsescu]], one of the most vocal objectors of Victor Ponta, reacted vehemently by a post on Facebook: "if you want not to do more harm than you did the country from 2012 until now, please do one simple thing: leave now!".<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.mediafax.ro/politic/basescu-buna-ziua-viorel-pleaca-acum-daca-ramai-este-un-dezastru-pentru-credibilitatea-tarii-14410247|title = Băsescu: Bună ziua, Viorel, PLEACĂ ACUM. Dacă rămâi, este un dezastru pentru credibilitatea ţării|date = 5 June 2015|accessdate = |website = Mediafax|publisher = |last = |first = |language = Romanian}}</ref> Former Justice Minister and current European Member of Parliament [[Monica Macovei]] thinks Ponta's insistence on remaining head of government "is an act of betrayal that discredits Romania".<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.dw.com/en/pontexit-demands-grow-as-romanian-pm-faces-corruption-charges/a-18583879|title = 'Pontexit' demands grow as Romanian PM faces corruption charges|date = 14 July 2015|accessdate = |website = Deutsche Welle|publisher = |last = Schwartz|first = Robert}}</ref>
President [[Klaus Iohannis]] officially demanded the resignation of Victor Ponta.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gandul.info/stiri/iohannis-ponta-mi-a-spus-ca-se-va-gandi-la-demisie-primul-nume-de-premier-de-pe-lista-presedintelui-14407625 |title=Iohannis: "Ponta mi-a spus că se va gândi la demisie". Primul nume de premier de pe lista președintelui |work=[[Gândul]] |last=Dinu |first=Clarice |date=5 June 2015 |language=Romanian}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.digi24.ro/Stiri/Digi24/Actualitate/Politica/Klaus+Iohannis+declaratii+Victor+Ponta+urmarit+penal |title=Klaus Iohannis: Solicit demisia lui Victor Ponta |work=[[Digi24]] |date=5 June 2015 |language=Romanian}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.dw.de/pre%C8%99edintele-a-cerut-demisia-premierului-ponta/a-18498176|title = Președintele a cerut demisia premierului Ponta|date = 5 June 2015|accessdate = |work = [[Deutsche Welle]]|publisher = |last = Pepine|first = Horațiu|language = Romanian}}</ref> "It's an impossible situation for Romania as the premier is accused of criminal acts. I solicit the resignation of Prime Minister Victor Ponta", the president said after a meeting with Prime Minister Victor Ponta at the [[Cotroceni Palace]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-06-05/romanian-prime-minister-ponta-probed-in-forgery-tax-fraud-case |title=Romania Premier Under Pressure to Quit Over Corruption Probe |work=[[Bloomberg News|Bloomberg]] |last1=Timu |first1=Andra |last2=Vilcu |first2=Irina |date=5 June 2015}}</ref> Shortly after Iohannis' request, Victor Ponta announced on [[Facebook]] that he would not resign,<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/romania/11655814/Romania-prime-minister-refuses-to-resign-over-corruption-allegations.html|title = Romania prime minister refuses to resign over corruption allegationsîî|date = 5 June 2015|accessdate = |newspaper = ăăThe Daily Telegraph|publisher = |last = Day|first = Matthew}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.mediafax.ro/politic/cum-se-apara-victor-ponta-pe-facebook-de-acuzatiile-dna-14410201|title = Cum se apără Victor Ponta pe Facebook de acuzațiile DNA|date = 5 June 2015|accessdate = |website = Mediafax|publisher = |last = Dincă|first = Thomas|language = Romanian}}</ref> claiming that his term as prime minister depends on Parliament.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ziare.com/victor-ponta/dna/ponta-nu-demisioneaza-desi-este-urmarit-penal-si-iohannis-i-a-cerut-sa-plece-1366878 |title=Ponta nu demisioneaza, desi este urmarit penal si Iohannis i-a cerut sa plece |work=Ziare.com |last=Badea |first=Camelia |date=5 June 2015 |language=Romanian}}</ref> Former President [[Traian Băsescu]], one of the most vocal objectors of Victor Ponta, reacted vehemently by a post on Facebook: "if you want not to do more harm than you did the country from 2012 until now, please do one simple thing: leave now!".<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.mediafax.ro/politic/basescu-buna-ziua-viorel-pleaca-acum-daca-ramai-este-un-dezastru-pentru-credibilitatea-tarii-14410247|title = Băsescu: Bună ziua, Viorel, pleacă acum. Dacă rămâi, este un dezastru pentru credibilitatea țării|date = 5 June 2015|accessdate = |work = [[Mediafax]]|publisher = |last = |first = |language = Romanian}}</ref> Former Justice Minister and current European Member of Parliament [[Monica Macovei]] said that Ponta's insistence on remaining head of government "is an act of betrayal that discredits Romania".<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.dw.com/en/pontexit-demands-grow-as-romanian-pm-faces-corruption-charges/a-18583879|title = 'Pontexit' demands grow as Romanian PM faces corruption charges|date = 14 July 2015|accessdate = |work = [[Deutsche Welle]]|publisher = |last = Schwartz|first = Robert}}</ref>


Main opposition party, PNL, demanded the resignation of Prime Minister and proposed early legislative elections.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.realitatea.net/pnl-declara-ii-de-presa-la-ora-17-00-pe-tema-demisiei-lui-victor-ponta_1715329.html |title=PNL cere de urgenţă demisia lui Victor Ponta şi alegeri anticipate: Îi vom cere demisia în fiecare zi |work=Realitatea.net |date=6 June 2015 |language=Romanian}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url = http://stirileprotv.ro/stiri/politic/alina-gorghiu-pnl-ii-va-cere-lui-victor-ponta-in-fiecare-zi-demisia-s-a-intamplat-un-fapt-fara-precedent-in-romania.html|title = Alina Gorghiu: "PNL ii va cere lui Victor Ponta in fiecare zi demisia". Liberalii vor alegeri anticipate|date = 6 June 2015|accessdate = |website = Stirile Pro TV|publisher = |last = |first = |language = Romanian}}</ref> PNL Co-President [[Alina Gorghiu]] called on PSD leaders not to delay the vote on DNA request to prosecute Victor Ponta. Moreover, PNL doesn't recognize the legitimacy of Ponta as Prime Minister and will boycott any talks involving PSD leader.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://adevarul.ro/news/politica/reactia-pnl-refuzul-ponta-demisiona-liderii-liberali-sustin-conferinta-presa-ora-1400-1_557415d8cfbe376e3504fe80/index.html|title = PNL cere demisia lui Victor Ponta. Gorghiu: Vom boicota orice discuţii cu acest premier. Sunt curioasă dacă va avea obrăznicia să vină la şedinţa CSAT|date = 7 June 2015|accessdate = |website = Adevărul|publisher = |last = Marin|first = Iulia|language = Romanian}}</ref> As of 4 September, PNL has collected 1.2 million signatures for the resignation of Victor Ponta.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.agerpres.ro/politica/2015/09/04/gorghiu-pnl-a-strans-1-200-000-de-semnaturi-pentru-demisia-lui-ponta-psd-o-masina-uzata-12-46-32 |title=Gorghiu: PNL a strâns 1.200.000 de semnături pentru demisia lui Ponta; PSD, o mașină uzată |work=Agerpres |last=Peia |first=Florentina |date=4 September 2015 |language=Romanian}}</ref>
Main opposition party, PNL, demanded the resignation of the prime minister and proposed early legislative elections.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.realitatea.net/pnl-declara-ii-de-presa-la-ora-17-00-pe-tema-demisiei-lui-victor-ponta_1715329.html |title=PNL cere de urgenţă demisia lui Victor Ponta şi alegeri anticipate: Îi vom cere demisia în fiecare zi |work=Realitatea.net |date=6 June 2015 |language=Romanian}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url = http://stirileprotv.ro/stiri/politic/alina-gorghiu-pnl-ii-va-cere-lui-victor-ponta-in-fiecare-zi-demisia-s-a-intamplat-un-fapt-fara-precedent-in-romania.html|title = Alina Gorghiu: "PNL îi va cere lui Victor Ponta în fiecare zi demisia". Liberalii vor alegeri anticipate|date = 6 June 2015|accessdate = |website = [[Pro TV|Știrile Pro TV]]|publisher = |last = |first = |language = Romanian}}</ref> PNL Co-President [[Alina Gorghiu]] called on PSD leaders not to delay the vote on DNA request to prosecute Victor Ponta. Moreover, PNL doesn't recognize the legitimacy of Ponta as prime minister and will boycott any talks involving PSD leader.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://adevarul.ro/news/politica/reactia-pnl-refuzul-ponta-demisiona-liderii-liberali-sustin-conferinta-presa-ora-1400-1_557415d8cfbe376e3504fe80/index.html|title = PNL cere demisia lui Victor Ponta. Gorghiu: Vom boicota orice discuții cu acest premier. Sunt curioasă dacă va avea obrăznicia să vină la ședința CSAT|date = 7 June 2015|access-date = |website = Adevărul|publisher = |last = Marin|first = Iulia|language = Romanian}}</ref> As of 4 September, PNL had collected 1.2 million signatures for the resignation of Victor Ponta.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.agerpres.ro/politica/2015/09/04/gorghiu-pnl-a-strans-1-200-000-de-semnaturi-pentru-demisia-lui-ponta-psd-o-masina-uzata-12-46-32 |title=Gorghiu: PNL a strâns 1.200.000 de semnături pentru demisia lui Ponta; PSD, o mașină uzată |work=[[Agerpres]] |last=Peia |first=Florentina |date=4 September 2015 |language=Romanian}}</ref>


12 of the 42 PSD subsidiaries in the country expressed through communiques support for Prime Minister Victor Ponta, also leader of the party.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.ziare.com/psd/victor-ponta/organizatiile-psd-isi-declara-sustinerea-fata-de-victor-ponta-trebuie-sa-ramana-in-fruntea-guvernului-1367000|title = Organizatiile PSD isi declara sustinerea fata de Victor Ponta: Trebuie sa ramana in fruntea Guvernului!|date = 6 June 2015|accessdate = |website = Ziare.com|publisher = |last = |first = |language = Romanian}}</ref> They argue that Victor Ponta should not resign.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.hotnews.ro/stiri-politic-20214939-filialele-psd-din-tara-isi-exprima-unison-sprijinul-pentru-premierul-ponta-urmarit-penal.htm|title = Filialele PSD din tara isi exprima la unison sprijinul pentru premierul Ponta, urmarit penal|date = 6 June 2015|accessdate = |website = HotNews.ro|publisher = |last = Neagu|first = Alina|language = Romanian}}</ref>
12 of the 42 PSD subsidiaries in the country expressed through communiques support for Prime Minister Victor Ponta, also leader of the party.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.ziare.com/psd/victor-ponta/organizatiile-psd-isi-declara-sustinerea-fata-de-victor-ponta-trebuie-sa-ramana-in-fruntea-guvernului-1367000|title = Organizațiile PSD își declară susținerea față de Victor Ponta: Trebuie să rămână în fruntea Guvernului!|date = 6 June 2015|access-date = |website = Ziare.com|publisher = |last = |first = |language = Romanian}}</ref> They argue that Victor Ponta should not resign.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.hotnews.ro/stiri-politic-20214939-filialele-psd-din-tara-isi-exprima-unison-sprijinul-pentru-premierul-ponta-urmarit-penal.htm|title = Filialele PSD din țară își exprimă la unison sprijinul pentru premierul Ponta, urmărit penal|date = 6 June 2015|access-date = |work = [[HotNews]]|publisher = |last = Neagu|first = Alina|language = Romanian}}</ref>


After Ponta's indictment, [[M10 (political party)|M10]] and [[People's Movement Party|PMP]] asked his resignation, stating "Victor Ponta seriously dishonors Romania" and "the leaders of civilized countries no longer want to have anything to do with Victor Ponta".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hotnews.ro/stiri-politic-20432084-m10-pmp-cer-demisia-lui-victor-ponta.htm |title=M10 si PMP cer demisia lui Victor Ponta |work=HotNews.ro |date=17 September 2015 |language=Romanian}}</ref>
After Ponta's indictment, [[M10 (political party)|M10]] and [[People's Movement Party|PMP]] asked his resignation, stating "Victor Ponta seriously dishonors Romania" and "the leaders of civilized countries no longer want to have anything to do with Victor Ponta".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hotnews.ro/stiri-politic-20432084-m10-pmp-cer-demisia-lui-victor-ponta.htm |title=M10 și PMP cer demisia lui Victor Ponta |work=[[HotNews]]|date=17 September 2015 |language=Romanian}}</ref>

====International reactions====
{{empty section|date=September 2015}}


==Motion of censure==
==Motion of censure==
Line 75: Line 75:
== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist|2}}
{{Reflist|2}}

{{Klaus Iohannis}}


[[Category:2012–2015 unrest in Romania]]
[[Category:2012–2015 unrest in Romania]]

Latest revision as of 18:54, 30 December 2023

2015 Romanian political crisis
Date5 June 2015 – 17 November 2015
Location
 Romania
Caused by
  • Criminal investigation against Victor Ponta and members of his family
  • Prime Minister's refusal to resign
Methods
Resulted in
  • Resignation of Victor Ponta
  • Victor Ponta initially acquitted in 2018, appeal suspended since 2019
Parties
Lead figures

During the first days of June 2015, the Government of Romania was rocked by criminal investigation against Prime Minister Victor Ponta for 19 acts of corruption[1] between 2007 and 2008, when he was lawyer.[2][3] Moreover, Victor Ponta is also investigated for conflict of interest during his premiership, when he propelled Dan Șova, political ally and friend, in government positions.[4] His resignation was demanded by President Klaus Iohannis and several figures in opposition. Victor Ponta denied the allegations and refused to resign, plunging the country into the second political crisis in just three years.

There is an ongoing political stand-off between governing and opposition parties, which are also the two largest parties: the PSD and PNL. The latter filed on 5 June a motion of censure against Ponta IV Cabinet for failing to organize the presidential election in diaspora in November 2014.

Criminal investigation against Victor Ponta

[edit]

Former prime minister Victor Ponta, former deputy Dan Șova, and Laurențiu Ciurel, former general manager of Complex Energetic Rovinari, were acquitted.

According to a press release from the National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA), Victor Ponta was accused of forgery under private signature (17 offenses) and complicity in tax evasion through repeated and money laundering.[5] Likewise, DNA asked notice for beginning criminal prosecution of prime minister for conflict of interest, in the case of Dan Șova's promotion in the Government. Thus, Victor Ponta becomes the first sitting prime minister of Romania to be prosecuted for corruption.[6]

Prime Minister Victor Ponta is accused of 22 corruption acts.
PSD senator Dan Șova is investigated under judicial supervision for forgery, tax evasion and money laundering.

DNA accuses Victor Ponta that between October 2007 and December 2008 received 181,439 lei from the law firm of Dan Șova, under an agreement of collaboration.[5][7] To justify the money, Victor Ponta would be drawn up 17 fictitious invoices,[8] because in reality Ponta wouldn't have provided any work for the law firm of Dan Șova.[9] As a result of tax audits, Ponta would be made 16 false documents to justify his juridical work at the law firm. The documents would be made using the "copy-paste" method, according to DNA prosecutors.[10] Of this money, Ponta has bought two luxury apartments in a residential complex in Bucharest.[7] Apart from the money received from the law firm, Ponta has also benefited from a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X, free of charge, from the law firm of Șova.[9] The firm paid the advance and rates of 6,000 lei per month for the car used by Ponta, in total about 80,000 lei.[11] Subsequently, from the position of Prime Minister of Romania, Ponta promoted Dan Șova in the Government,[5] for which DNA accuses the premier of conflict of interest, given that previously he had received money and a car from Șova.

On 5 June, DNA asked the Chamber of Deputies to approve premier's prosecution for conflict of interest, but the request was rejected by deputies, on 9 June. Lawmakers voted 231 against and 120 in favor of repealing Ponta's immunity.[12]

PSD senator Dan Șova was prosecuted since August 2014 for three offenses of complicity to abuse of office,[13] with obtaining undue advantages for himself or for another, after in 2007–2008 his firm, "Șova and Associates", concluded three contracts for legal aid with energy complexes Turceni and Rovinari,[14] after which they would be prejudiced by nearly 3.5 million lei.[15] In the same case are prosecuted Laurențiu Ciurel, director of Investment at Rovinari Energy Complex at the material time, and former general manager of Turceni Energy Complex, Dumitru Cristea, for abuse of office.[16] Dan Șova is also investigated by the National Anticorruption Directorate in the case of illegal retrocession of forests, along with former PSD deputy Viorel Hrebenciuc and Victor Ponta's father-in-law, Ilie Sârbu.[17][18] After a voting row, the Senate rejected on 2 June DNA request of retention and preventive arrest of Șova, being registered 66 votes "for" and 72 "against".[19] As of 5 June, Dan Șova is under judicial review. Moreover, he's not allowed to leave the country or communicate with Victor Ponta.[20]

On 13 July, Victor Ponta was summoned to DNA, where he was announced that was ordered a financial and accounting expertise.[21][22][23] Also at that time, DNA changed his quality in this case from suspect to defendant, the premier relying on the right to silence, so that he didn't give any statement to the prosecutor. Some of his property has been seized pending the outcome of the case.[24] Victor Ponta resigned as chairman of the ruling Social Democratic party a day earlier, saying he wanted to prove his innocence.[25] On 19 August, prosecutors seized an apartment of Victor Ponta, to recover the prejudice of 51,321.80 lei that would be produced from his complicity in tax evasion, amount determined after assessment performed in the "Turceni–Rovinari" case.[26] On 17 September, Victor Ponta was sent for trial, going to be held at the High Court of Cassation and Justice.[27][28]

Reactions

[edit]

Domestic

[edit]

President Klaus Iohannis officially demanded the resignation of Victor Ponta.[29][30][31] "It's an impossible situation for Romania as the premier is accused of criminal acts. I solicit the resignation of Prime Minister Victor Ponta", the president said after a meeting with Prime Minister Victor Ponta at the Cotroceni Palace.[32] Shortly after Iohannis' request, Victor Ponta announced on Facebook that he would not resign,[33][34] claiming that his term as prime minister depends on Parliament.[35] Former President Traian Băsescu, one of the most vocal objectors of Victor Ponta, reacted vehemently by a post on Facebook: "if you want not to do more harm than you did the country from 2012 until now, please do one simple thing: leave now!".[36] Former Justice Minister and current European Member of Parliament Monica Macovei said that Ponta's insistence on remaining head of government "is an act of betrayal that discredits Romania".[37]

Main opposition party, PNL, demanded the resignation of the prime minister and proposed early legislative elections.[38][39] PNL Co-President Alina Gorghiu called on PSD leaders not to delay the vote on DNA request to prosecute Victor Ponta. Moreover, PNL doesn't recognize the legitimacy of Ponta as prime minister and will boycott any talks involving PSD leader.[40] As of 4 September, PNL had collected 1.2 million signatures for the resignation of Victor Ponta.[41]

12 of the 42 PSD subsidiaries in the country expressed through communiques support for Prime Minister Victor Ponta, also leader of the party.[42] They argue that Victor Ponta should not resign.[43]

After Ponta's indictment, M10 and PMP asked his resignation, stating "Victor Ponta seriously dishonors Romania" and "the leaders of civilized countries no longer want to have anything to do with Victor Ponta".[44]

Motion of censure

[edit]

A motion of censure was submitted to Parliament by the National Liberal Party on 5 June, the same day that Victor Ponta was accused of corruption.[45] The motion is entitled "Victor Ponta – dismissed for abuse of power by blocking election. The right to vote is not a slogan!".[46] In the text of the motion, the Liberals also refer the vote for DNA request in the case of Dan Șova and "hostile attitude towards justice". At the filing date, the motion has been signed by 183 MPs, of which 12 from the Romanian Social Party, two from the Democrat group, the rest being PNL deputies and senators.[47] The motion was voted on 12 June. It gathered 194 votes for and 13 against, while seven votes were annulled.[48][49] To overthrow the Government, the motion needed 278 votes. Of the 418 MPs present only 214 voted.[50]

The motion of censure was linked by Victor Ponta and PSD members with an attempt to overthrow the Government through justice.[51] This suspicion was rejected by members of the opposition, but also by the Chief Prosecutor of the National Anticorruption Directorate, Laura Codruța Kövesi.[52] Moreover, the Prime Minister accuses that the case in which he is being investigated is politically orchestrated.[53]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Dolana, Andra; Gherguț, Ondine (5 June 2015). "Victor Ponta, urmărit penal în dosarul lui Șova. Lista celor 19 infracțiuni de care este acuzat premierul. Iohannis îi cere demisia, Ponta refuză". România liberă (in Romanian).
  2. ^ "Romania PM Victor Ponta quizzed over alleged corruption". BBC News. 5 June 2015.
  3. ^ Le Page, Isabelle (5 June 2015). "Romania PM fights resignation push after corruption probe". Yahoo! News.
  4. ^ Borger, Julian (6 June 2015). "Romanian PM faces calls to step down over corruption allegations". The Guardian.
  5. ^ a b c Dinu, Clarice; Hera, Mona (5 June 2015). "Victor Ponta, urmărit penal în dosarul lui Șova. Acuzațiile DNA: fals în înscrisuri, complicitate la evaziune fiscală și spălare de bani". Gândul (in Romanian).
  6. ^ "Procurorii DNA cer efectuarea urmăririi penale față de Victor Ponta. Comisia juridica va informa pâna luni cand dă raportul". Știrile Pro TV (in Romanian). 5 June 2015.
  7. ^ a b Cojocariu, Mihaela; Stoica, Mihai (5 June 2015). "Victor Ponta, urmărit penal pentru spălare de bani și complicitate la evaziune fiscală. Președintele i-a solicitat demisia, Ponta refuză". Adevărul (in Romanian).
  8. ^ Robu, Diana (5 June 2015). "Premierul Ponta, urmărit penal: spălare de bani și 17 infracțiuni de fals". Ziare.com (in Romanian).
  9. ^ a b "Ponta, urmărit penal de DNA pentru 22 infracțiuni în dosarul lui Șova. DNA cere ridicarea imunității". Realitatea.net (in Romanian). 5 June 2015.
  10. ^ Vișan, Alexandru (5 June 2015). "Victor Ponta, urmărit penal de DNA". Cotidianul (in Romanian).
  11. ^ Pîrvoiu, Claudia (5 June 2015). "O scurtă poveste despre implicarea lui Victor Ponta, alături de Dan Șova și Laurențiu Ciurel, in dosarele Turceni si Rovinari". HotNews (in Romanian).
  12. ^ "Victor Ponta NU poate fi urmărit penal pentru conflict de interese. Ce se va intampla cu dosarul premierului de la DNA". Știrile Pro TV. 9 June 2015.
  13. ^ Biro, Attila (15 August 2014). "Dosarul Turceni - Rovinari. Dan Șova, acuzat de procurori că a luat ilegal bani pentru înțelegeri comerciale care au păgubit statul cu 16 milioane euro". Gândul (in Romanian).
  14. ^ Ghidovăţ, Georgeta; Stanca, Andrei (5 June 2015). "Senatorul Dan Șova a fost pus sub control judiciar pentru 60 de zile". Evenimentul Zilei (in Romanian).
  15. ^ "Dan Şova, audiat la DNA, în dosarul Turceni-Rovinari". Realitatea.net (in Romanian). 11 February 2015.
  16. ^ Lupăşteanu, Cătălin (13 August 2014). "Directorul Ciurel de la CE Rovinari este urmărit penal de DNA pentru contractele încheiate cu Şova". Mediafax (in Romanian).
  17. ^ Biro, Attila (23 January 2015). "Dosarul retrocedărilor ilegale: Finii lui Băsescu, Dan Șova și Gabriel Vlase, cercetați de procurorii DNA". Gândul (in Romanian).
  18. ^ Lupăşteanu, Cătălin (23 January 2015). "DNA continuă cercetarea lui Hrebenciuc, Ilie Sârbu și Dan Șova, într-un nou dosar". Mediafax (in Romanian).
  19. ^ Rosca, Iulia (2 June 2015). "Senatul l-a salvat pentru a doua oara pe Dan Șova / Cererea Justiției de reținere și arestare a senatorului PSD a fost respinsă". HotNews.ro (in Romanian).
  20. ^ "DNA: Dan Șova, cercetat sub control judiciar". B1.ro (in Romanian). 5 June 2015.
  21. ^ Cojocariu, Mihaela (13 July 2015). "Victor Ponta este inculpat. Procurorii au cerut o expertiză financiar-contabilă și vor să pună sechestru pe o parte din averea acestuia". Adevărul (in Romanian).
  22. ^ "Romanian PM Victor Ponta charged in corruption probe". The Daily Telegraph. 13 July 2015.
  23. ^ "Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta Indicted". The Wall Street Journal. 13 July 2015.
  24. ^ "Romania PM Victor Ponta charged with corruption". BBC News. 13 July 2015.
  25. ^ "Romania's prime minister indicted in corruption inquiry". The Guardian. 13 July 2015.
  26. ^ Ispas, Livia; Lupăşteanu, Cătălin (19 August 2015). "Sechestru pe un apartament al lui Ponta, pentru recuperarea unui prejudiciu de 51.321 lei. DNA, despre documentul publicat de Ponta pe Facebook: Prezintă observația expertului lui Șova, nu concluzia documentului". Mediafax.ro (in Romanian).
  27. ^ Popescu, Andrei Luca (17 September 2015). "VICTOR PONTA, TRIMIS ÎN JUDECATĂ". Gândul (in Romanian).
  28. ^ "Premierul Victor Ponta a fost trimis in judecata de DNA in dosarul Rovinari-Turceni". Stirile Pro TV (in Romanian). 17 September 2015.
  29. ^ Dinu, Clarice (5 June 2015). "Iohannis: "Ponta mi-a spus că se va gândi la demisie". Primul nume de premier de pe lista președintelui". Gândul (in Romanian).
  30. ^ "Klaus Iohannis: Solicit demisia lui Victor Ponta". Digi24 (in Romanian). 5 June 2015.
  31. ^ Pepine, Horațiu (5 June 2015). "Președintele a cerut demisia premierului Ponta". Deutsche Welle (in Romanian).
  32. ^ Timu, Andra; Vilcu, Irina (5 June 2015). "Romania Premier Under Pressure to Quit Over Corruption Probe". Bloomberg.
  33. ^ Day, Matthew (5 June 2015). "Romania prime minister refuses to resign over corruption allegationsîî". ăăThe Daily Telegraph.
  34. ^ Dincă, Thomas (5 June 2015). "Cum se apără Victor Ponta pe Facebook de acuzațiile DNA". Mediafax (in Romanian).
  35. ^ Badea, Camelia (5 June 2015). "Ponta nu demisioneaza, desi este urmarit penal si Iohannis i-a cerut sa plece". Ziare.com (in Romanian).
  36. ^ "Băsescu: Bună ziua, Viorel, pleacă acum. Dacă rămâi, este un dezastru pentru credibilitatea țării". Mediafax (in Romanian). 5 June 2015.
  37. ^ Schwartz, Robert (14 July 2015). "'Pontexit' demands grow as Romanian PM faces corruption charges". Deutsche Welle.
  38. ^ "PNL cere de urgenţă demisia lui Victor Ponta şi alegeri anticipate: Îi vom cere demisia în fiecare zi". Realitatea.net (in Romanian). 6 June 2015.
  39. ^ "Alina Gorghiu: "PNL îi va cere lui Victor Ponta în fiecare zi demisia". Liberalii vor alegeri anticipate". Știrile Pro TV (in Romanian). 6 June 2015.
  40. ^ Marin, Iulia (7 June 2015). "PNL cere demisia lui Victor Ponta. Gorghiu: Vom boicota orice discuții cu acest premier. Sunt curioasă dacă va avea obrăznicia să vină la ședința CSAT". Adevărul (in Romanian).
  41. ^ Peia, Florentina (4 September 2015). "Gorghiu: PNL a strâns 1.200.000 de semnături pentru demisia lui Ponta; PSD, o mașină uzată". Agerpres (in Romanian).
  42. ^ "Organizațiile PSD își declară susținerea față de Victor Ponta: Trebuie să rămână în fruntea Guvernului!". Ziare.com (in Romanian). 6 June 2015.
  43. ^ Neagu, Alina (6 June 2015). "Filialele PSD din țară își exprimă la unison sprijinul pentru premierul Ponta, urmărit penal". HotNews (in Romanian).
  44. ^ "M10 și PMP cer demisia lui Victor Ponta". HotNews (in Romanian). 17 September 2015.
  45. ^ "PNL a depus motiunea de cenzura in ziua in care Ponta a aflat ca e urmarit penal. Ce se intampla in Parlament". Stirile Pro TV (in Romanian). 5 June 2015.
  46. ^ Rosca, Iulia (5 June 2015). "PNL a depus la parlament motiunea de cenzura la adresa Guvernului: "Victor Ponta – demis pentru exces de putere prin blocarea alegerilor. Dreptul la vot nu e o lozinca!"". HotNews.ro (in Romanian).
  47. ^ Dragomir, Adelina (5 June 2015). "PNL a depus moţiunea de cenzură la adresa Guvernului. Conducerea Parlamentului se va reuni luni pentru a declanşa procedura în acest caz". Mediafax (in Romanian).
  48. ^ Ionaşc, Sorina; Andrei, Cristian (12 June 2015). "MOŢIUNEA DE CENZURĂ A PNL a picat, Ponta - salvat de parlamentarii puterii care au stat în bănci". Gândul (in Romanian).
  49. ^ Carney, Sean (12 June 2015). "Romanian Premier Victor Ponta Survives No-Confidence Vote". The Wall Street Journal.
  50. ^ Gâlcă, Bogdan; Nistor, Radu (12 June 2015). "MOŢIUNEA DE CENZURĂ A PICAT! Guvernul PONTA rămâne în funcţie". Libertatea (in Romanian).
  51. ^ Udrea, Andreea (8 June 2015). "Victor Ponta îl acuză pe Klaus Iohannis de lovitură de stat". Evenimentul Zilei (in Romanian).
  52. ^ M., R. (5 June 2015). "Laura Codruta Kovesi afirma ca audierea lui Victor Ponta la DNA nu are nicio legatura cu motiunea de cenzura a PNL". HotNews.ro (in Romanian).
  53. ^ Pușcaș, Florin (7 June 2015). "OFICIAL - Ponta rămâne premier. 'Dosarul este motivat politic'". stiripesurse.ro (in Romanian).
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