BUCHAREST, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Romanian President Klaus Iohannis stressed Tuesday that the withdrawal of the "trouble-causing" ordinance or the possible dismissal of a minister is too little for the country to get out of the current impasse.
The president made the remarks while addressing the parliament on the current situation in the country.
According to him, holding early elections is too much in this stage. "That's what defines our leeway," he said, stressing that the ruling Social Democrats, who "caused the trouble" must come up with the solution.
Shortly after the president started his speech, most of the lawmakers of the ruling Social Democratic Party exited the venue.
Some of them told the media that they expected a message of normality from the president, but the latter gave a speech "to further incite the street demonstrations " and "to divide Romania into two."
Yet, Raluca Turcan, interim chair of the main opposition Liberals, said that the head of state expressed "the expectation of millions of Romanians."
The cabinet led by Sorin Grindeanu adopted an emergency ordinance on amending Criminal Codes 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, the demonstrations across the country did not stop, with the protesters as well as opposition parties led by the Liberals putting forward new demands for the government to step down.
