Ponta stated this after being asked if the Liberal leader Klaus Iohannis is a stronger opponent than Crin Antonescu.
"For me, all opponents in the presidential race are strong opponents and I treat them with respect," the Premier said.
Ponta was present in Sibiu for the rank promotion of the 2014 graduates at the Army Academy.
Monday, Iohannis was designated by the permanent delegation of the Liberal Party as the candidate in the presidential elections of November.