The 220,000 protesters that filled the Piata Victoriei square in central Bucharest have succeeded in pressuring the Romaninan Government into annulling a decree that would decriminalise corruption offences.

Key points: The decree would have exempted corruption offences below $62,000 from prosecution

The decree would have exempted corruption offences below $62,000 from prosecution It would have protected the leader of the ruling Social Democratic party, who is on trial

It would have protected the leader of the ruling Social Democratic party, who is on trial Around 220,000 people have gathered for mass protests against the laws

In the the biggest mass protests in the country since 1989, when the Communist regime of Nicolae Ceausescu was ousted in a bloody revolution, the mounting pressure has brought about an embarrassing u-turn for the country's new Prime Minister in the face of week-long demonstrations.

The Government also declassified the transcript of debates during the cabinet meeting when the decree that would have shielded many politicians from prosecution was approved.

It said the decree was a bid to relieve pressure on the prison system.

A day after Prime Minister Sorin Grindeanu said he did not want to divide Romania, his cabinet held an emergency meeting to scrap the decree as tens of thousands of demonstrators outside chanted "thieves, thieves" and "resignation, resignation".

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One protester dressed as 15th century Romanian ruler Vlad Tepes — notorious for impaling Turks and thieves on wooden stakes and whose life inspired the fictional character Dracula — held a banner reading: "Did you miss me?"

A giant laser plastered the words "Do Not Give Up" and "Resignation," on the facade of the building housing the headquarters of government — the Prime Minister's office.

The decree had been seen by critics as the biggest retreat on reforms since Romania joined the European Union in 2007.

The law would have exempted abuse-of-power offences involving sums below 200,000 lei ($62,000) from prosecution, potentially shielding hundreds of officials from justice.

Liviu Dragnea, leader of the ruling Social Democrat party, said the Prime Minister would hold talks with his Justice Minister and decide whether or not to sack him.

The decree could have put an end to a trial involving Dragnea, who is barred from political office because of an electoral fraud conviction and viewed by many as the real power behind Mr Grindeanu's government.

Among the decree's chief critics was President Klaus Iohannis, who joined one anti-corruption rally two weeks ago and repeatedly urged the government to scrap the measure.

On Sunday a small group of pro-government protesters in front of his Cotroceni presidential palace denounced him as a "traitor".

Germany and the United States were among nine western powers which had expressed concern that the decree could undermine Romania's partnerships in the EU and NATO.

A placard held by one protester reads "resignation". ( AP: Vadim Ghirda )

Reuters