Romanian President Klaus Iohannis announced his resignation on Monday, citing the need to spare the country from a crisis that would ensue if he is impeached. The Parliament will vote on his impeachment on Tuesday.
Iohannis’s decision comes after opposition parties failed to gather enough support for impeachment twice. This time, ultranationalist and Save Romania Union members have joined forces to request suspension. However, Iohannis argues it is unnecessary, as he will leave office in a few months following the completion of his mandate.
The president believes that his impeachment would lead to domestic chaos and damage Romania’s international image. He warned that the country would become the “laughing stock of the world” if he is suspended, preventing the discussion of future presidential candidates’ ideas and hindering the country’s progress.
According to constitutional rules, the Senate head will serve as interim president, followed by the Chamber of Deputies president. The first round of repeat presidential elections is scheduled for May 4.
Source: https://www.romania-insider.com/Iohannis-resignation-announcement-feb-2025