Bucharest, Romania (AHN) – In the wake of a strike by thousands of police officers last week, Romanian Interior Minister Vasile Blaga on Monday announced his decision to step down from his post as a gesture of honor.

More than 5,000 policemen participated in the protest march to the presidential palace in capital Bucharest. They were opposing government austerity measures under which their salaries were to be reduced by 25 percent.

Announcing his resignation, Blaga said that the police broke their oath of office while protesting and disrespected the Interior Ministry.

“I respect the policemen’s right to demonstrate, but only in a legal framework,” he added.

Following Friday’s march, both President Traian Basescu and Prime Minister Emil Boc fired their police security escorts, claiming that the strike had undermined state authority.

Ruling Liberal Democrat Party’s Senator Traian Igas will replace Blaga after President Basescu approved his nomination.

The minister’s resignation came at a time when the public is upset with the government’s efforts to control a budget deficit, which include sharp reductions in wages and tax hikes. The opposition, meanwhile, has called on the prime minister to resign as well.

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