Romanian prosecutors have called for a three-year prison sentence for the Senate speaker, who's charged with making false statements under oath on trial in a real estate case.

Prosecutors on Tuesday said Calin Popescu Tariceanu, who was prime minister from 2005 to 2008, knowingly concealed the truth or failed to disclose information on eight counts during an investigation.

They said he denied knowledge of connections between a Romanian prince and a politically connected businessman and others. Tariceanu on Tuesday again denied wrongdoing.

The prince is accused of illegally acquiring 64 hectares (158 acres) of state-owned land, costing the state 145 million euros ($171 million).

The Senate speaker is second most powerful position in Romania's state hierarchy after the president.

He will be sentenced May 22. The trial began in 2016.