Contender for presidency and former prime minister Victor Ponta faces criticism after asserting that he intentionally flooded Romanian villages in 2014 to safeguard Belgrade.
In the heat of the Romanian presidential race, controversies haunt independent candidate and former prime minister Victor Ponta. With an isolationalist agenda, Ponta has found himself in hot water following his declaration that he intentionally flooded Romanian villages to save Belgrade from potential flooding during his tenure as prime minister.
In a move perceived as prioritizing foreign interests, Ponta ordered the controlled discharges from the Iron Gates dam in 2014 - a decision that was allegedly made without adhering to necessary protocols outlined by the 1998 Convention governing transboundary water management. This controversial action has led to a criminal complaint being filed against him by the DREPT political party, accusing him of high treason for compromising Romanian interests in favor of Serbia's.
The electorate's response has been fast and furious, with many expressing outrage over the apparent disregard for Romanian citizens' welfare. Charges of unethical decision-making have followed Ponta in his election journey, causing him to lose ground with his nationalist electorate to rival George Simion. Furthermore, all other candidates have joined in attacking him, with Bucharest mayor Nicuşor Dan requesting the declassification of all related documents for the sake of transparency.
Crin Antonescu, the ruling coalition's presidential candidate, criticized Ponta heavily, stating, "The fact that you were capable of directing the waters towards Romanian citizens without telling them, that you were capable of ignoring expert advice and flooding Romanian villages without warning anyone, and now you're proud of it - saying that, in return, you got the 'tip' of another country’s citizenship while you were prime minister of Romania... That truly defies all imagination."
Meanwhile, the prime minister himself, Marcel Ciolacu, urged Ponta to step down from the presidential race. In a Facebook post, he confronted Ponta, stating, "As prime minister, one has to often make difficult decisions. But they should never be kept secret. Admitting with no hesitation, after years, that you agreed, as prime minister of Romania, to flood Romanian villages to protect foreign cities and to be proud about receiving, as a reward, the citizenship of another state, makes you clearly anything but a sovereignist!"
Leave no stone unturned, Romanians, for Bucharest mayor Nicuşor Dan has also requested the publication of all documents underlying Ponta's decisions during the 2014 floods, ensuring the public critical awareness towards Ponta's actions.
- Victor Ponta, the independent Romanian presidential candidate, is being criticized for his policy-and-legislation regarding floods during his tenure as prime minister.
- Some people believe Ponta intentionally flooded Romanian villages to save Belgrade from potential flooding, an action that has led to a criminal complaint of high treason.
- Maybe Ponta's disregard for Romanian citizens' welfare and alleged ignoring of necessary protocols will impact his chances in the presidential race, as he faces competition from George Simion.
- The general news is buzzing with discussions about Ponta's actions during the 2014 floods, as both his opponents and allies call for transparency and the declassification of related documents.
