Romanian Youth and Sports Minister Monica Ridzi resigns after corruption allegations for May 2 event

Ridzi said she resigned so as not to affect the image of the government and of the Democrat-Liberal Party (PDL) and not to needlessly prolong the public debate on the issue, as her family and especially her ill mother could not stand it any longer.

She accused a coalition formed by the rivals Social Democrats (PSD) and Liberals (PNL) of the attempt to keep the issue in the limelight after the Chamber of Deputies decided yesterday that the Ridzi case will be debated in the plenum no earlier than September 1. 

Ridzi stressed that she considers herself to be innocent and that she will come in front of any institution of the state to prove it. 

Moreover, Ridzi said she takes the political responsibility for endorsing all the people inside the ministry.

Monica Ridzi was accused of spending large amounts of money for organizing Youth Day events on May 2. The money allegedly went to two companies headquartered in apartments and having the same owners. 

A parliamentary commission investigated the case and gave a favorable advise for opening a probe against Ridzi, but a vote was still needed from the plenum in this regard. 

Ridzi stressed that she cooperated with the anti corruption prosecutors (DNA) and answered all their requests. 

PDL senator Sorina Placinta was sworn in on the same day at 7.30 p.m. as the new youth and sports minister.