BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Romania's most powerful politician says he thinks the country has gone too far in trying to counter corruption with a crackdown that has targeted dozens of high-level officials.

Liviu Dragnea, leader of the ruling Social Democratic Party, told The Associated Press on Thursday that after years of politicians getting away with graft, "we went to the other extreme, where those who are in the political class all should be accused, followed, investigated and sent to trial."

Dragnea can't be Romania's prime minister due to a 2016 conviction for vote-rigging. Prosecutors also have charged him with embezzling European Union funds and official misconduct in a separate case.

He tells the AP he will fight to prove his innocence "until the end."

Dragnea also says he thinks Romania will resume "a correct, legal, constitutional approach" to fighting corruption.