2015 Romanian political crisis

2015 Romanian political crisis
Date	5 June 2015 – 17 November 2015
Location	Romania
Causes	Criminal investigation against Victor Ponta and members of his family Prime Minister's refusal to resign
Methods	Motion of censure Protest
Status	Ongoing
Parties to the civil conflict
President of Romania Opposition parties National Liberal Party Democratic Union of Hungarians in Romania People's Movement Party M10 Romanian Social Party Government of Romania Social Democratic Party National Union for the Progress of Romania Alliance of Liberals and Democrats
Lead figures
Klaus Iohannis Alina Gorghiu Vasile Blaga Hunor Kelemen Eugen Tomac Monica Macovei Mircea Geoană Victor Ponta Gabriel Oprea Daniel Constantin Călin Popescu-Tăriceanu

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 between 2007 and 2008, when he was lawyer. 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. His resignation was demanded by 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 in just three years.

There is an ongoing political stand-off between governing and opposition parties, also the largest parties: 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.

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. 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.