Protesters shout slogans calling for early elections and hold banners that read: "Down the Political Mafia" after a rally joined by thousands blocked traffic in University Square in Bucharest, Romania, Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2015. Prime Minister Victor Ponta announced the resignation of his government Wednesday following huge protests the day before in the wake of a nightclub fire that killed more than 30 people. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)
The Associated Press
BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) - The latest on the fallout from a fire at a Bucharest nightclub on Friday that left more than 30 dead. All times local.
11:55 a.m.
Romania's president has named the education minister as interim premier following the resignation of the prime minister and his cabinet
President Klaus Iohannis said Thursday he was naming Sorin Campeanu to hold the fort until a new prime minister is named and approved by Parliament.
Parliament has two opportunities to vote on a new government. If that fails, early elections are called.
Iohannis praised street demonstrations that have erupted in the past two days and said he was listening to what protesters had to say
"I have a message for protesters. I saw you, I heard you, I will take into account your demands."
He said he would meet political parties for political talks. He added he would bring "a new actor" to the table.
"I will meet a group which represents civil society and the street. It is important for me. I want to know their wishes and opinions."
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11:30 a.m.
Romania's president will name an interim prime minister after Prime Minister Victor Ponta resigned following mass protests over a nightclub fire that left more than 30 people dead.
President Klaus Iohannis will name the caretaker premier later Thursday. He will hold talks with political parties later in the day and will nominate a new prime minister later this week, tasked with forming a new government, which needs parliamentary approval.
If this fails twice, early elections will be called. Scheduled parliamentary elections are not due until December 2016.
Thousands demonstrated this week demanding early elections and better governance.
Ponta has proposed Defense Minister Mircea Dusa as interim prime minister.
A protester screams holding a paper that reads "Corruption has killed - Romania wake up" back-dropped by the communist era built House of the People, now housing the Romanian parliament during a rally joined by thirty-five thousand people, according to local media quoting the Romanian Gendarmerie, calling for early elections, in Bucharest, Romania, Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2015. Prime Minister Victor Ponta announced the resignation of his government Wednesday following huge protests the day before in the wake of a nightclub fire that killed more than 30 people.(AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)
The Associated Press
Protesters hold banners reading "Corruption kills" and "The Church washes brains and launders public money" during a rally joined by thirty-five thousand people, according to local media quoting the Romanian Gendarmerie, calling for early elections, in Bucharest, Romania, Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2015. Prime Minister Victor Ponta announced the resignation of his government Wednesday following huge protests the day before in the wake of a nightclub fire that killed more than 30 people. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)
The Associated Press
Protesters march with a large Romanian flag during a rally joined by thirty-five thousand people, according to local media quoting the Romanian Gendarmerie, calling for early elections, in Bucharest, Romania, Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2015. Prime Minister Victor Ponta announced the resignation of his government Wednesday following huge protests the day before in the wake of a nightclub fire that killed more than 30 people.(AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)
The Associated Press
Protesters calling for early elections hold banners that read: "Down the Political Mafia" after a rally joined by thousands blocked traffic in University Square in Bucharest, Romania, Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2015. Prime Minister Victor Ponta announced the resignation of his government Wednesday following huge protests the day before in the wake of a nightclub fire that killed more than 30 people. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)
The Associated Press
FILE - In this Feb. 11, 2013, file photo, Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta speaks during a Press conference in Bucharest, Romania. Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta announced the resignation of his government Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2015 following huge protests in the wake of a nightclub fire that killed more than 30 people. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda, File)
The Associated Press