Victor Ponta,Romanian Prime Minister and his entire Govt Resigns Amid Sleaze Scandal, Nightclub Blaze Fallout Wednesday Nov 04,2015

 

Romania's embattled Prime Minister Victor Ponta, mired in a corruption scandal, resigned today Wednesday Nov 04,2015 following a deadly nightclub blaze, a day after more than 20,000 people rallied in Bucharest to demand he step down.

The 43-year-old announced his resignation on television, saying it was right that top officials took responsibility for Friday's tragedy at the Colectiv disco in Bucharest, which left 32 dead and nearly 200 injured.

Ponta, Romania's premier since 2012, had faced weeks of intense pressure to quit after going on trial in September facing charges of fraud, tax evasion and money laundering.

"I am stepping down as prime minister," he said. "I hope the government's resignation will satisfy the people who came out in the streets."

The Social Democrat added: "I have to acknowledge the legitimate anger of the people."

President Klaus Iohannis must now name an interim prime minister before launching talks with political parties about forming a new government