Romania's president to consult protesters before forming new government

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis said Thursday that he will consult with protesters who held mass demonstrations before forming a new government, following the resignation of prime minister Victor Ponta.

Ponta quit on Wednesday after a deadly fire at a nightclub prompted tens of thousands of people to take to the streets demanding a "profound change" in the government.

"I followed the protests and I have an important message for all those who were in the street on Tuesday and Wednesday," Iohannis told a press briefing.

"I saw you, I heard you and I will consider your demands."

The fire at Bucharest's Colective nightclub last Friday -- which sparked a stampede as panicked revellers desperately tried to get out -- left 32 dead and nearly 200 others injured, many of whom remain in critical condition.

Ponta, who had been under pressure for weeks as he faces charges of fraud, tax evasion and money laundering, said it was right that top officials took responsibility for the tragedy.

Iohannis, a conservative who was elected in 2014 with a large youth backing, said he will meet at the presidential palace with a group representing civil society which he dubbed "the street" ahead of the formation of a new government.

Ponta's resignation failed to stop tens of thousands of protesters from spilling onto the streets again on Wednesday for a second night running.

"People want a change in the system," protester Marius Matache told AFP.

"Our friends in the Colectiv disco were killed by a vile system."

Source: AFP