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Romanian prosecutors have called for the country's most powerful politician to be imprisoned over misconduct charges.

At a trial of Liviu Dragnea, the leader of the ruling Social Democratic Party, anti-corruption prosecutors asked for a 7 1/2 year sentence.

Prosecutors say that from 2008-2010, Dragnea — at the time a government official — intervened to keep two women on the payroll of a family welfare agency, even though they were employed by the party. They have pleaded guilty.

Dragnea again denied the charges Tuesday.

Prosecutors also called for charges to be dropped against Dragnea's former wife, a manager at the family welfare agency, after she admitted wrongdoing and paid damages.

Dragnea cannot be prime minister due to a 2016 conviction for vote-rigging.