Romania: Government falls due to nightclub tragedy

Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta announced his resignation, a day after mass protests in the country over a tragedy in a Bucharest nightclub, reports the Patria News Agency.

More than 20,000 people gathered at the central protest, demanding the government's resignation and holding it responsible for the deaths of 32 young people in the "Colectiv" club.

According to protest leaders, the tragedy occurred due to widespread corruption and weak safety controls. Ponta has previously been accused of corruption and is facing trial, the BBC reminds.

- Ponta resigned because someone must take responsibility for what happened. This is a serious matter, and we promise to find a quick solution to this situation, said the head of the ruling Social Democratic Party, Liviu Dragnea, in parliament.