Romanian Prime Minister steps down after nightclub fire
Victor Ponta has resigned amid corruption accusations and protests
Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta has resigned following the tragic fire at Bucharest nightclub Collectiv last Friday night at which 32 people died and 179 were injured, with many still in a serious or critical condition.
The fire broke out at a free gig performed by heavy metal group Goodbye To Gravity after their pyrotechnics ignited the club's flammable soundproofing material. A stampede towards the two small exit doors was triggered but only one was able to open initially.
According to the BBC, over 20,000 protesters took to the streets of the Romanian capital calling for cabinet resignations over alleged governmental corruption when granting venue licenses and overseeing safety inspections.
Ponta, who was convicted of electoral fraud in 2013 and is currently facing trial on corruption charges of tax evasion and money laundering, has now stepped down amid the protests.
He said on Romanian TV: "I hope the government's resignation will satisfy the people who came out in the streets."
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