Romanian President Klaus Iohannis has announced his resignation, citing a desire to prevent a political crisis as Parliament prepares to vote on his impeachment.
In a statement released on Monday, 10 February, Iohannis said he would step down on 12 February, two days before a scheduled parliamentary vote on his suspension.
To spare Romania and its citizens from this crisis, I am resigning from the office of President of Romania.
His decision comes amid mounting pressure from opposition parties, including the Save Romania Union (USR), which have gathered the necessary signatures to initiate impeachment proceedings.
Iohannis’s mandate was extended after last year’s presidential elections were annulled by the Constitutional Court. While he maintained that the extension was constitutional and pledged to leave office once a new president is sworn in, opposition parties have consistently questioned his legitimacy.
The president’s resignation follows two failed attempts to suspend him for procedural reasons. The third request, supported by a coalition of opposition MPs, is set to be debated and voted on in Parliament on 11 February.
Under Romania’s Constitution, Senate President Ilie Bolojan will serve as interim president until a new head of state is elected in May. Bolojan’s temporary leadership is expected to provide stability during the transition period.
The resignation marks a significant moment in Romanian politics, as the country navigates constitutional challenges and prepares for a fresh presidential election. The decision to step down aims to defuse tensions and allow for a smoother political process, though the coming months will likely see intense debate over the nation’s future direction.
