IMF official in Romania rejects criticism
Feb 5, 2012, 7:05 PM
BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) – The head of the IMF mission in Romania has criticized politicians and media for accusing him of misconduct for having attended a party held by government officials at a time of harsh austerity measures.
A video of the party that Jeffrey Franks attended last week at a restaurant in a Romanian mountain resort has been shown by TV stations nationwide.
On Sunday, the American held a news conference in Bucharest to discuss Romania’s economic problems and the austerity measures it has imposed to receive an IMF-led loan.
When asked about critics who have said Franks should not have attended the party, which included drinking and dancing, Franks denied misconduct.
“I am a Mormon. I don’t drink or smoke or indulge in other immoral behavior,” he said. “I have a clean conscience.”
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