Iohannis said Romania cannot have a prime minister who is investigated for corruption.
“Romania cannot have a prime minister investigated for corruption. On the other hand, a political crisis is the worst thing that could happen to Romania right now. Even so, I call on Prime Minister Victor Ponta to step down,” said Iohannis.
Ponta said he respects the position of President Klaus Iohannis, who called for his resignation earlier, but added he was appointed by Parliament and only the Parliament may dismiss him.
Before his public announcement, Iohannis met with Ponta and required his resignation.
Should Ponta refuse to step down from the Cabinet, the head of state may have him suspended from office.
Earlier Friday, the anticorruption department announced Ponta was being investigated for corruption in connection with the defrauding of state energy companies Turceni and Rovinari back in 2007 and 2008. Social democrat senator Dan Sova is investigated in the same case.