ASSESSMENTS

Romania's Corruption Scandal Threatens Political Stability

Jun 10, 2015 | 09:00 GMT

Romania's Political Crisis: Worse for Bucharest than for the West
Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta arrives at a press conference in Bucharest.

(DANIEL MIHAILESCU/AFP/Getty Images)

Summary

Romania is facing a political crisis. The country's National Anti-Corruption Directorate has officially opened a criminal investigation against Prime Minister Victor Ponta over charges including tax evasion, money laundering and conflict of interest. President Klaus Iohannis and opposition parties are calling for Ponta's resignation. Even if Ponta is able to retain his position, the standoff between his supporters and his critics could weaken the legislature's ability to pass domestic reforms that the country needs to attract Western investment. The crisis, however, is unlikely to change Romania’s foreign policy priorities.

Political divisions caused by corruption allegations against the prime minister will not alter Romanian foreign policy, but they will inhibit domestic reforms....

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