Entire Romanian government quits in wake of protests over deadly nightclub fire

Emergency response: medics treat a victim of the disaster
EPA/Robert Ghement
Michael Howie4 November 2015

Romania's entire government today quit following huge protests in the wake of a nightclub fire that killed more than 30 people.

The country’s Prime Minister Victor Ponta made the shock announcement after 20,000 people took to the streets of the capital Bucharest last night calling for his resignation.

“I’m handing in my mandate, I’m resigning, and implicitly my government too,” Mr Ponta said in a statement.

Angry crowds shouted “Shame on you!” and “Assassins!” and waved Romanian flags.

Resignation: Former Romanian PM Victor Ponta
AP

The protesters also called for the heads of Interior Minister Gabriel Oprea and a district mayor where the Colectiv nightclub was located.

Anger has been brewing for some time in Romania against the government, which many perceive as being corrupt, and Friday’s fire has added to the discontent.

President Klaus Iohannis wrote on his Facebook page last night: “I understand what is being asked and what is expected, and they are right, someone has to take political responsibility.”

He added: “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 panicked people stampeding for the single-door exit. The death toll stands at 32, with some 130 still hospitalised, dozens of them in serious or critical condition.

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