Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta has refused to step down despite the launch of a criminal investigation against him.<br /><br /> Hundreds protested in the capital Bucharest and even the president asked for his resignation after Ponta was charged with fraud, tax evasion and money laundering when he worked as a lawyer.<br /><br /> Ponta has said only parliament can dismiss him and that the accusations, which he denies, were first made by political enemies.<br /><br /> A former prosecutor who took office in 2012, Ponta faces a general election next year. His government is now pushing a series of disputed tax cuts through parliament and is in fraught talks with international creditors over an aid deal.
