Ponta Steps Down As Party Chief in Romania

Prime Minister Victor Ponta on Sunday said he was standing down as leader of the ruling Social Democrat Party, PSD, until prosecutors have completed a criminal investigation into charges facing him.

"In order not to let this situation harm the party, I inform you about my decision to hold no positions in the PSD until I prove my innocence," Ponta said in a letter posted on his Facebook page and addressed to the party's senior members.

"I have never considered that my personal position is more important than the party's image and performance," he added.

The decision took many by surprise. Most PSD senior members said they supported Ponta's decision, however, while remaining confident that he will prove his innocence.

Alina Gorghiu, from the main opposition Liberal Party, PNL, said Ponta's move was just a "distraction," and asked him to resign as Prime Minister as well.

Ponta returned to Bucharest on Wednesday after nearly a month spent in Turkey having knee surgery. His absence raised questions about his political future and about the stability of the coalition government he heads.

Romania's anti-graft body, the National Anti-Corruption Directorate, announced proceedings against Ponta on June 12, citing over 17 counts of forgery, tax evasion and money-laundering, as well as conflicts of interest.

Early last month, President Klaus Iohannis asked him to stand down over the charges. Ponta refused, saying his resignation was a matter for parliament. Ponta lost a presidential election runoff vote to Iohannis in November.