Romanian Economy Minister Varujan Vosganian (in picture) has resigned, shortly after the Parliament rejected the proposal to start a criminal case against him.

Until a new minister is appointed, Finance Minister Daniel Chitoiu will hold the interim post.

A replacement Economy Minister will be proposed within a week, according to National Liberal Party (PNL) leader Crin Antonescu.

The PNL, which governs with allies the Social Democratic Party (PSD), holds the Economy Ministry seat.

Announcing his resignation, Vosganian said most of the heavy programs started by the Economy Ministry under his helm were close to being finished.

He pointed out that he was cleared by the Senate with the negative vote concerning the criminal case against him and added that he believed he had fulfilled his duty.

It was an honorary resignation, he said.

The secret ballot on whether to pursue a criminal case against Vosganian finished with 126 votes against and 25 for.

The General Prosecutor asked the Senate on September 2 the approval to start a criminal case against Vosganian and a former minister and Bucharest mayor, Adriean Videanu, for having undermined the national economy.

This was part of a larger investigation against 40 people with management positions in state-owned gas company Romgaz, the Economy Ministry and the National Agency for Energy Regulation (ANRE), which started in December 2011.

editor@romania-insider.com