Romania govt. hit with new graft scandal

The Romanian government has been hit with a new graft scandal, as prosecutors are requesting to launch a bribery probe into a candidate for the post of transport minister.

According to AFP, on Monday, prosecutors of the National Anti-corruption Directorate (DNA) announced that it would ask the Chamber of Deputies for permission to start criminal proceedings against Liberal parliamentarian Ovidiu Silaghi.
Prosecutors said in a statement that Silaghi is suspected of “influence peddling” during his previous term as transport minister in 2012.
Silaghi is accused of accepting a 200,000 euro bribe from a businessman and in return the minister allegedly promised certain contacts.
After the announcement, Silaghi denied the allegations but decided to withdraw his candidacy “in order to protect the image of the Romanian government.”
Prime Minister Victor Ponta must now find another candidate to replace the former transport minister, Relu Fenechiu, who stepped down in July after being sentenced to five years in prison for corruption.
In addition, the prosecutors are currently investigating Romania’s vice-premier and Administration Minister Liviu Dragnea for alleged fraud.