Ponta intends to stay on as Romanian Prime Minister

Bucharest, 17 November 2014 (MIA) - Romanian Social - democrat leader and Prime Minister Victor Ponta, who unexpectedly lost the Presidential elections on Sunday, announced he plans to stay on as Prime Minister. Ponta lost to Conservative challenger Klaus Iohannis, even after leading him by 10 points in the first round.

- I congratulate Iohannis, he is the legitimate President, and I'm convinced that he will do his best to do what is right for Romania. Romania needs stability and sustainability. As long as I have the support of my coalition, I'm determined to stay on as Prime Minister, Ponta said.

The President - elect, who made his career as a popular mayor of the city of Sibiu, and comes from Romania's German minority, began his first day after the elections with a call for the anti-corruption law be withdrawn. Iohannis had run on an anti-corruption ticket, blaming the 2013 law for allowing some corrupt officials to avoid prosecution. Iohannis has also promised that he will push for education and healthcare reforms, and turn Romania into a business friendly destination.