Romanian Justice Minister Florin Iordache has resigned over the decree to reduce penalties for corruption and the subsequent mass protest and international condemnation.

Mr Iordache drafted the bill, which the government withdrew following the public outcry.

The decree could have been used to shield
politicians from prosecution for corruption for graft.

Romanian #Justice minister Florin Iordache resigns amid scandal on controversial EO 13 https://t.co/eVrWRqUXXr pic.twitter.com/t71mfNuTbK— The Romania Journal (@romania_journal) February 9, 2017

“All the assumed initiatives are legal and according to the constitution. The ministry organised public debates for the bill and now they are part of parliamentary debates. However, for the public opinion this was not enough, so I have decided to submit my resignation.”

It comes after the constitutional court failed to rule on the legality of the decree, which was withdrawn following the protests.

Meanwhile in #Romania:

MASSIVE anti-corruption protests live on the streets of Bucharest. pic.twitter.com/kKK5oWqqee— Sarah Abdallah (@sahouraxo) February 4, 2017

The court said the bill was rescinded and therefore did not exist.

Those opposed to the decree are furious as they suspect it will reappear in draft legislation and go before the parliament where the Social Democrats hold a solid majority.