Romania's President Klaus Iohannis has launched a scathing attack on the country's government over its handling of a corruption scandal which sparked widespread protests.
Rallies numbering in the hundreds of thousands swept the nation after the new Social Democrat (PSD) government approved legislation on January 31 that critics said would protect the corrupt from justice.
The emergency decree, passed by Prime Minister Sorin Grindeanu without parliament's approval, would have decriminalized abuses of power involving less than €44,000 ($47,000.)
The government withdrew the measure after a backlash on February 5 but protesters vowed to fight on regardless.
"The repeal of the decree and the possible sacking of a minister is too little," Romania's President Klaus Iohannis told lawmakers in Bucharest, according to Euractiv.
Iohannis has the power to dismiss the government, but has ruled out early elections at this stage.
But, he said, "If the PSD, which has created this crisis, fails to resolve the crisis immediately, I will summon all the political parties for talks."
"You've won, now govern and legislate, but not at any price. Romania needs a strong government, a government that works in a transparent and predictable manner."
The PSD won elections in December, but the party's chairman Liviu Dragnea was unable to take on the role of Prime Minister because he has been charged with abuse of power.
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