“I would see, if the motion passes, a minority PNL government with a PNL prime minister”, Gorghiu, co-president of the party, said at Reuters Eastern Europe Investment Summit.

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) – The Romanian prime minister’s corruption trial began on Monday as the opposition prepared a no-confidence vote that will be held next week. The next hearing will be on October . 23.

He refused to resign and denied any wrongdoing.

The Social Democratic Party (PSD) leader is to be tried by the country’s highest court after being formally indicted on several counts of corruption, the BBC writes.

AP reported that the 43-year-old Ponta, is the first sitting prime minister in the country, to be indicted and have his assets seized. He faces charges of fraud, tax evasion and money laundering dating back to 2007-2011, when he worked as a lawyer before being elected prime minister in 2012.

The opposition Liberal Party announced that it has filed a motion of no-confidence against Ponta’s government later on Monday. Iohannis told journalists: “The situation (Ponta’s trial) in my opinion, is increasingly difficult for the prime minister, increasingly difficult for the government and increasingly difficult for the PSD, but we must admit that Romania’s image is badly hurt by this matter”.

On June 5, the DNA opened a criminal investigation against Ponta, who allegedly received unjustifiable payments and benefits from Sova’s legal firm, when they were both lawyers. The funds were used to pay for two luxury apartments and the use of an SUV. Ponta then appointed Sova to a succession of ministerial positions during his tenure as a premier.