Updated

Romania's prime minister, who is under investigation for alleged corruption, says he will hand over his duties to a deputy for a month due to health problems.

Prime Minister Victor Ponta wrote to President Klaus Iohannis Sunday asking him to allow the deputy prime minister to carry out his responsibilities from Monday. Ponta indicated he could resume his activities within a month.

Ponta, who had a knee operation abroad last week, said doctors had recommended he remain under medical supervision.

Prosecutors said on June 5 that Ponta is suspected of conflict of interest, forgery and tax evasion for work he did as a lawyer from 2007-2008 while he was also a lawmaker. Ponta, who has political immunity for some of the charges, denies wrongdoing.