BUCHAREST, Feb. 8 (Xinhua) -- Romania's government, installed a month ago, on Wednesday easily survived a motion of no-confidence initiated by main opposition the National Liberal Party, as the motion only got 161 votes in favor, far from the required minimum of 233 votes.
The ruling lawmakers of the Social Democratic Party and the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats ensured the session quorum in the censure motion debate, but did not vote, so did the parliamentary group of the Hungarian Democratic Union of Romania.
At the debate on the motion before voting, interim head of the National Liberal Party Raluca Turcan stated that the censure motion is a political sanction against an unacceptable governing behavior of the ruling coalition.
Turcan told the prime minister that the repeal of the controversial emergency ordinance does not "erase his sins," does not exempt him from responsibilities and he should pay with his position.
The head of the Save Romania Union Nicusor Dan stated at his intervention that the current government lost its trust, because it placed "the interest" of the party's head ahead of the country's interests.
However, Prime Minister Sorin Grindeanu told the lawmakers 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," he said, adding that "I hope to settle things today and get back to work," the cabinet has a program good enough for the people, mayors and chairmen of county councils want to do something good for their communities.
"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.
According to the prime minister, the government will be one "of dialogue and public consultation" on the major issues that concern the entire society.
Romania has seen mass protests these days after 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, 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.
Lawmakers of the National Liberal Party and the Save Romania Union on Feb. 1 lodged the non-confidence motion against the coalition government.
