Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta resigns after widespread protests in response to deadly nightclub blaze
President Klaus Iohannis will name a prime minister to form a new government, which needs to be approved by Parliament.
Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta announced the resignation of his government on Wednesday following huge protests in the wake of a nightclub fire that killed more than 30 people.
“I’m handing in my mandate, I’m resigning, and implicitly my government too,” Ponta said in a statement.
He said he would stay on until a new government is in place.
“I am obliged to take note of the legitimate grievances which exist in society,” said Ponta. “I hope handing in my and my government’s mandate will satisfy the demands of protesters.”
President Klaus Iohannis will name a prime minister to form a new government, which needs to be approved by Parliament. If this fails twice, early elections will be called. Romania is scheduled to hold parliamentary elections in December 2016.
Deputy leader of the opposition Liberal Party, Catalin Predoiu, hailed the resignations.