She defended the dress Tuesday, insisting it cost less than the thousands of euros that media has reported. She told B1 TV that clothes are one of her few joys in life, and the dress was a gift from her businessman husband that cost 780 British pounds $1,290).

Journalists accused Udrea - known for her love of expensive purses and shoes - of being insensitive during the economic downturn in Romania, where the average national monthly salary is €320 ($455) after tax. Udrea is the most prominent minister in the government and President Traian Basescu's closest ally.

She has long been dogged by rumors that she has an inappropriate relationship with the president, and Basescu was forced to issue a statement recently denying he was at home after Udrea was filmed entering the presidential palace late one evening.