BUCHAREST, Feb. 8 (Xinhua) -- Romania's Prime Minister Sorin Grindeanu stressed Wednesday that the government has an obligation to the people's trust gained in the polls and must continue to assume governance of the country.
"As prime minister, I wish to see the much needed reconciliation between Romanians," Grindeanu said in his address in parliament occasioned by debates on a motion of no-confidence initiated by main opposition the National Liberal Party.
"I hope to settle things today and get back to work," he said, adding that the cabinet has a program good enough for the people, and mayors and chairmen of county councils want to do something good for their communities.
He said, referring to the speech of President Klaus Johannis on Tuesday, that beyond slogans and the struggle "to hang on the peoples' protests to renovate his credibility," the president has proved his "ardent wish to install as soon as possible" his own government.
"Please do not accept this game and do not fall into this trap again," the prime minister told the lawmakers.
"I fully understand all the emotion and anger that Ordinance 13 had generated...I will not accept any such initiative in the government," assured Grindeanu, referring to a controversial emergency ordinance on amending Criminal Codes.
The cabinet led by Grindeanu adopted the ordinance on Jan. 31, which, according to reports, could partially decriminalize abuse of office offenses.
The opposition and protesters complained that the changes would likely prevent some politicians charged with crimes from being punished.
The authorities had to annul the ordinance on Sunday amid mass protests. However, demonstrations across the country did not stop, with protesters as well as opposition parties led by the Liberals putting forward new demands for the government to step down.
According to the prime minister, the government will be one "of dialogue and public consultation" on the major issues that concern the entire society.
Lawmakers of the National Liberal Party and the Save Romania Union on Feb. 1 lodged the non-confidence motion against the coalition government.
The vote upon the motion is scheduled for Wednesday, with slim chances to get past, since the ruling parties hold an absolute majority in the parliament.
