Romanian PM under fire for having knee operation abroad while under corruption probe
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}FILE - In this Thursday, May 7, 2015 file photo, Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta gestures during a meeting with the foreign media in Bucharest, Romania, Thursday, May 7, 2015. Romania's prime minister was slammed by opponents Monday, June 22, 2015 after requesting a month’s medical leave in Turkey as prosecutors investigate him for alleged corruption. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda, File) (The Associated Press)
Romania's prime minister, who is under the spotlight in a corruption investigation, has taken medical leave after a knee operation in Turkey, leaving his deputy in charge.
Critics have called Victor Ponta a coward for using a routine medical problem to avoid the probe. President Klaus Iohannis asked Ponta, who survived a vote to lift his immunity and a no-confidence vote, to resign.
Ponta did not appear Monday before anti-corruption prosecutors who suspect him of conflict of interest, tax evasion and forgery.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Ponta suggested he would not return to Romania for three weeks and justified his absence by saying he hadn't taken a day off since becoming prime minister in April 2012.
Prosecutors have intensified an anti-corruption drive in recent months, earning praise from the U.S. and the European Union.