Man jumps from balcony of Romanian parliament

Romanian Prime Minister Emil Boc has survived the latest no-confidence motion against his government, in the most dramatic of circumstances.

His speech to parliament was interrupted by a man jumping from the balcony in protest at austerity measures.

Identified as a state television employee, the man was wearing a T-shirt with the words: “You killed our children’s future.” Media reports say he may have lost benefits for the care of his autistic son.

The premier was among those who rushed to the man’s aid. Despite falling around seven metres, his injuries are not said to be life-threatening.

Shocked opposition MPs left the chamber. Ruling party counterparts stayed on but did not vote, meaning the motion was defeated.

Analysts say the incident indicates mounting public discontent in recession-hit Romania, the EU’s second poorest member.

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