The embattled Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta has announced the resignation of his government following large protests over a nightclub fire that killed more than 30 people last week, The Guardian reported.
“I’m handing in my mandate. I’m resigning – and implicitly my government too,” Ponta said, adding that he would stay on until a new government was in place. “I am obliged to take note of the legitimate grievances which exist in society. I hope handing in my and my government’s mandate will satisfy the demands of protesters.”
About 20,000 people held a demonstration in Bucharest on Tuesday evening, calling for the resignation of Ponta, the interior minister, Gabriel Oprea, and Cristian Popescu Piedone, mayor of the district where the Colectiv nightclub was located.
Piedone, who also resigned on Wednesday, said he was morally guilty for the deadliest fire in Romania’s history. “I assume the moral blame. As for the legal [blame] I will leave it to justice to pronounce,” he said.
President Klaus Iohannis wrote on his Facebook page late on Tuesday: “I understand what is being asked and what is expected, and they are right, someone has to take political responsibility. The next step is for politicians, who cannot ignore this sentiment of revolt.”
Witnesses said the fire broke out during a heavy metal concert in the basement club when a spark ignited foam decor, sending people stampeding for the single-door exit. The death toll stands at 32, while 130 remain in hospital, dozens in a serious or critical condition.