BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Romania's justice minister says he has chosen a new chief anti-corruption prosecutor, a prestigious but highly scrutinized job in one of the most graft-riddled countries in the European Union.

The position opened up after President Klaus Iohannis was forced to dismiss Laura Codruta Kovesi in July after Justice Minister Tudorel Toader accused her of mismanagement and incompetence. She denied the accusations.

Following interviews with six prosecutors, Toader said Tuesday that he would announce the successful candidate on Thursday.

Just one of the applicants for the post is a prosecutor in the National Anti-Corruption Directorate, which Kovesi headed.

The ruling Social Democratic Party has often criticized the anti-corruption agency, claiming it unfairly targets politicians.

Under Kovesi's leadership, it won praise from the European Union, the U.S. and ordinary Romanians.