BUCHAREST, Romania (AFP) — Romania’s embattled Prime Minister Victor Ponta resigned Wednesday, after a deadly nightclub blaze prompted massdemonstrations, but his move failed to quell the anti-government protests.

The 43-year-old prime minister announced his resignation on television, saying it was right that top officials took responsibility for Friday’s tragedy at the Colectiv disco in Bucharest.

The fire left 32 people dead and nearly 200 injured, many of whom remain in critical condition.

Ponta, Romania’s premier since 2012, had been under pressure to quit weeks before the blaze, after going on trial in September on charges of fraud, tax evasion and money laundering.

“I am stepping down as prime minister,” he said. “I hope the government’s resignation will satisfy the people who came out in the streets.

“I have to acknowledge the legitimate anger of the people.”

However, more than 30,000 people demonstrated later Wednesday in Bucharest and other major cities to demand a “profound change” in the government.