Romanian government resigns over nightclub fire

The protesters shouted slogans such as “Corruption kills”, alleging that the Colectiv club – a disused factory used as a nightclub venue – could only function because the owners had bribed the authorities.

President Lohannis exclaims that he initiate on consulting political parties to choose a new prime minister, and to create a new government. His government also resigned.

“It would be very hard to propose and support a political person as prime minister anymore”, he said. Iohannis will nominate a premier which parliament will approve.

Ponta had repeatedly ignored calls to resign and vowed to serve out his term until the end of 2016, when the country is now scheduled to hold its next parliamentary elections. “I hope handing in my and my government’s mandate will satisfy the demands of protesters”.

Ponta, facing trial for charges including money laundering and complicity in a tax fraud before he took office, had already said he wouldn’t seek a second term at elections next year in the European Union and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation member.

The Rolling Stone article also points out that the nightclub fire isn’t the sole reason Ponta is resigning. “And when something very serious like that happens and young people die, we see it as an attack against us”, she said. Mr. Lohannis further stated that the club tragedy had “affected the nerve of the nation”.

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An interim prime minister will be named by the Romanian president before a new government is formed.

Victor Ponta hands in his mandate after thousands rally in Bucharest demanding resignations over deadly nightclub fire.

At that time, Romania was told that “urgent” action was needed to show its commitment to the rule of law, after a clash between its newly elected government and Traian Basescu, then the president, provoked a crisis. “Thirty percent for a Liberal minority cabinet, and 30 percent for early elections”.

A three day national mourning period was declared as a result of the fire, which has been labelled as the worst in Romania’s history.

Ponta’s ruling Social Democratic Party, PSD, said it was open to negotiations.

He came under pressure to step down following mass protests through the city Tuesday night, with more than 20,000 demonstrators blaming widespread corruption for the deadly blaze on Friday night.

“Ponta’s resignation was imposed by party leaders in an attempt to save the party”, Taranu said by phone.