Romanian president accuses PM of being an ex-spy
BUCHAREST — Romanian president Mr Traian Basescu has accused Prime Minister Victor Ponta, who is the favourite to win a Nov 2 presidential race, of being an ex-spy.
BUCHAREST — Romanian president Mr Traian Basescu has accused Prime Minister Victor Ponta, who is the favourite to win a Nov 2 presidential race, of being an ex-spy.
In a television interview yesterday (Oct 13), Mr Basescu said that Mr Ponta was working undercover for Romania’s Foreign Intelligence Service from 1997 to 2001 when he was a prosecutor. Mr Ponta immediately denied the accusation.
Mr Basescu, who as president appoints the chiefs of the two main intelligence services, did not produce evidence. Mr Basescu is a political rival of Mr Ponta’s but will not run in the election. Mr Basescu steps down next month after 10 years.
It is the latest twist involving Romania’s influential intelligence services. Last month, the head of foreign intelligence stepped down to run for president days after a television journalist also revealed he had been an undercover officer. AP
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