Romania’s outgoing president Klaus Iohannis has resigned on Monday to prevent an impeachment bid by opposition parties, amid highly polarized voters and a repeat presidential election in May. The move comes after accusations of Russian interference were made against him last year, leading the European top court to void the first round of the election.
Iohannis’ decision was prompted by three hard-right opposition parties that control around 35% of parliament seats filing a motion to impeach him. The parties capitalized on popular anger directed at pro-European establishment parties mired in corruption allegations.
The motion is set for a vote, and Iohannis is deeply unpopular, with some analysts predicting that mainstream pro-European lawmakers could support the hard-right’s impeachment effort, giving them the required majority.
Iohannis told reporters that his resignation would “spare Romania this pointless and negative crisis.” Senate speaker Ilie Bolojan will take over as interim president with limited powers until the election.
Support for Iohannis’ successor, Calin Georgescu, who has sparked controversy by calling Ukraine an artificial state, has almost doubled since the cancelled ballot. A repeat presidential election in May is now expected, and it remains unclear whether Georgescu will be allowed to run again.
Pro-Georgescu protesters staged a demonstration outside government headquarters on Monday, clashing with riot police. Analysts say Iohannis’ resignation may have eased tensions, but the hard-right opposition can claim another victory, at least temporarily.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/romanias-outgoing-leader-resigns-ahead-presidential-election-re-run-2025-02-10