Bucharest University asks for Ponta’s PhD title withdrawal

The University in Bucharest (UB) submitted to the Ministry of Education a note requesting the necessary measures’ disposal to withdraw the title of Doctor of Laws granted to Victor Ponta in 2003, after the premier filed a notification in this respect.

In the same note, UB rector asks the minister, “taking into account the decision of the Ethics Commission and the position of the Bucharest University Senate from July 25, 2012”, to dispose “the necessary measures in order to withdraw the title of Doctor of Laws granted to Mr. Victor Ponta through Ministerial Order no. 5663/15.12.2003”.

Prime Minister Victor Ponta stated, in a message posted on Tuesday on Facebook, that he sent a letter to the UB rector notifying him on the fact that he gives up his PhD in Law granted in 2003.

Education Minister Sorin Cîmpeanu on Thursday said that UB’s request to withdraw Ponta’s PhD title arrived at the ministry, and showed that the title’s granting was made through ministerial order, and that its withdrawal can be made “through an act of the same value”.

“I do not want to turn education into a realm of political disputes. I am at the Parliament, for negotiations on the budget. I am consistent with the fact that I will not do anything else but to respect the law. I’ll have to consult with the ministry’s legal department. I confirm you that in 2003, on the basis of a proposal made by the University in Bucharest, Mr. Victor Ponta was granted the title of doctor, this having been certified through ministerial order (…) It is true, I will do as I said, I will consult with my colleagues from the legal department, the way in which the PhD title can be withdrawn will be swiftly applied,” said Cîmpeanu.