Romania’s Justice Minister Florin Iordache announced his resignation on Thursday, taking responsibility for a controversial decree on corruption that was repealed after it sparked mass protests.
In a short statement to reporters, Iordache said all his ministry’s actions had been legal and constitutional “but that was not enough for public opinion”.
Hundreds of thousands of people staged some of the biggest demonstrations in Romania since the fall of Communism after the government passed a decree last week to decriminalize some corruption cases.
Many people saw the decree, which covered cases involving less than €45,000, as a way for corrupt politicians to avoid jail, Politico reported. The government backed down and repealed the decree on Sunday, but protests against the Social Democrat-led administration have continued. A mass demonstration is planned for Sunday.
The government has rejected calls for its resignation, noting that it won a convincing election victory in December. Prime Minister Sorin Grindeanu had previously hinted that Iordache would be held responsible for the problems caused by the decree.
The premier said the purpose of the measure had not been communicated clearly.
