Victor Ponta

Premier Victor Ponta is on trial on charges of tax evasion, money laundering, conflict of interest and making false statements while he was working as a lawyer in 2007 and 2008. He denies wrongdoing.

Lawmakers voted 207-8 for the no-confidence motion, well short of the 275 votes needed to dismiss Ponta from office. Lawmakers from his ruling Social Democratic Party and another party didn't vote.

The High Court for Cassation and Justice opened the case by discussing the legality of the indictment. Prime Minister Victor Ponta wasn't required to attend the session and didn't appear. The next hearing will be on Oct. 23.

Prosecutors first named Ponta a suspect on June 5 and he was indicted in July on charges, including tax evasion, money laundering, conflict of interest and making false statements while he was working as a lawyer in 2007 and 2008. At the time, Ponta was a lawmaker.

Victor Ponta said Tuesday on his Facebook page that "barbed wire, aggressive laws, prison and brutality will not resolve problems."

Ponta added on Antena 3 television that he was "horrified" to think about what to do "if Hungarian troops begin to shoot or kill children and women."

He said the fence plans show that Hungary "in the heart of Europe, has political decision makers which are no better than those in Syria, Libya or other countries that refugees flee from."

Prosecutors said Ponta has been indicted on charges including tax evasion, money laundering, conflict of interest and making false statements while he was working as a lawyer in 2007 and 2008. At the time, Ponta was a lawmaker. He denies wrongdoing.

Prosecutors also said in a statement Monday that they temporarily froze Ponta's personal assets which include shares in a house, an apartment and several bank accounts. He sold two apartments in May for 150,000 euros ($170,000) and also sold a car.