Jewish leaders have defended Romania's President Klaus Iohannis after a politician he refused to appoint as minister accused him of anti-Semitism.
Iohannis, who signs off on ministerial appointments, on Tuesday rejected two nominees including ex-business minister Ilan Laufer, who was selected to be development minister by the government.
Laufer, who is Jewish, hit back, saying the president's decision was motivated by anti-Semitism.
Director of the International Archives Program Division at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum Radu Ioanid told The Associated Press Wednesday "the accusation doesn't hold water."
He said Iohannis "supports our work in Europe and Romania combating Holocaust denial and anti-Semitism."
Iohannis also condemned Laufer for "using such sensitive language for political gain."
Later Wednesday, Liviu Dragnea, leader of the governing Social Democratic Party, publicly distanced himself from Laufer's remarks.
