Romania's most powerful politician has missed a hearing on corruption charges — by going on a surprise visit to Israel. He was expected to attend court Wednesday, but Parliament confirmed just as the hearing began that he was in Israel at the invitation of Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu. Premier Viorica Dancila also began a visit to Israel Wednesday. Dragnea is accused of intervening to keep two women on the payroll of a family welfare agency, even though they were employed by the party. The court scheduled another hearing for May 15.

Source: ABC News April 25, 2018 13:41 UTC