Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu on Friday said that he appreciates the „voluntary gesture” made by Gabriela Firea by resigning as family minister until all aspects related to the case of „horror asylums” are clarified, stressing that after their conversation on Friday at the Government House he understood „very clearly” that Firea, as a minister, has no direct connection with the case, write Agerpres.

„Today, I had a discussion at the Government House with Mrs Gabriela Firea on the subject of ‘horror asylums’. It is very clear to me that Mrs Gabriela Firea as a minister has no direct connection with this case. However, there was a huge pressure in the last days on her because of some collaborators of the minister whose involvement had already been proven. Consequently, until all aspects related to this case are clarified, Mrs Firea has decided to tender her resignation as the family minister. I want to emphasise that I appreciate the voluntary gesture made by Mrs Firea,” Ciolacu wrote in a social media post on Friday.

At the same time, he said that „things must not stop here,” urging all mayors, heads of County Councils, directors of local public institutions and police chiefs who had a connection with the ‘asylums of horror’ to take full responsibility.

„Everyone must take a step back,” added Ciolacu.

He went on to say that „things will not change with a number of resignations alone” as an overhaul of the system is needed.

„The worst thing would be for this legitimate indignation of the society to be covered by a series of resignations, and behind the scenes things remain the same. We need real change, an overhaul, so that we can repair this horrendous system that has corrupted consciences in exchange for money. I have taken responsibility for that as the prime minister. And I will go all the way! I will change things from top to bottom, together with my colleagues in the government, the Romanian Orthodox Church and the rest of the religious denominations, and the civil society. I have no mercy for those who destroyed the lives and souls of defenseless people!”