Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta has announced the resignation of his government following huge protests in the wake of a nightclub fire that killed more than 30 people.
Ponta made the announcement on Wednesday after discussions within the ruling coalition.
"I am stepping down as prime minister," he said in a television broadcast.
"I hope the government's resignation will satisfy the people who came out in the streets."
Some 20,000 people took to the streets of Bucharest on Tuesday evening in a spontaneous protest calling for the resignation of Ponta, Interior Minister Gabriel Oprea and a district mayor where the Colectiv nightclub was located.
President Klaus Iohannis wrote on his Facebook page late Tuesday: "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.
Ponta, the country's only sitting premier to stand trial for corruption, had been under pressure to resign from President Klaus Iohannis, who defeated him in last November's presidential election.
Ponta's departure may lead to a political realignment in Romania, where a coalition of three parties form a majority in parliament.
President Iohannis, the former opposition leader, said his aim was to bring his former Liberals to power.
"Victor Ponta is giving up his mandate. Someone needs to assume responsibility for what has happened. This a serious matter and we promise a quick resolution of the situation," Dragnea told reporters.
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