Romanian premier’s corruption trial begins; opposition prepares no-confidence vote

BUCHAREST, Romania – The Romanian prime minister’s corruption trial began on Monday as the opposition prepared a no-confidence vote that will be held next week.

The High Court for Cassation and Justice opened the case by discussing the legality of the indictment. Prime Minister Victor Ponta wasn’t required to attend the session and didn’t appear. The next hearing will be on Oct. 23.

Prosecutors first named Ponta a suspect on June 5 and he was indicted in July on charges, including tax evasion, money laundering, conflict of interest and making false statements while he was working as a lawyer in 2007 and 2008. At the time, Ponta was a lawmaker.

Ponta, who turned 43 on Sunday, is the first sitting prime minister to be indicted and have his assets seized. He denies wrongdoing and has refused to resign.

“It’s important that we have stability,” Ponta told reporters on Monday, explaining why he didn’t want to step down. “We must continue the government.”

The ruling Social Democratic Party met to discuss the developments and party chairman Liviu Dragnea said the party will continue to support Ponta, who has been premier since May 2012.

The opposition Liberal Party filed a motion of no-confidence against Ponta’s government and a vote will be held on Sept. 29.

Ponta ally Dan Sova, who is on trial in the same case on charges of forging receipts, tax evasion and money laundering, appeared in court on Monday.

Prosecutors say Ponta forged expense claims worth at least 181,000 lei ($47,000) from Sova’s law firm. They say he pretended to work as a lawyer to justify getting money from the law firm. The funds were used to pay for two luxury apartments and the use of an SUV.

After Ponta became prime minister, he appointed Sova as a minister three times, which prosecutors say constituted a conflict of interest.