Romanian President Klaus Iohannis Resigns

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis has announced his resignation, citing escalating pressure from populist opposition groups, just two months after the country’s Supreme Court canceled the presidential elections in the European Union member state.

In an emotional address on Monday, Iohannis stated that his resignation was necessary to "save Romania from this crisis" and confirmed that he would officially step down on February 12.

The 65-year-old leader has served as Romania’s president since 2014, completing the maximum two terms of five years each.

However, in December 2024, his presidency was extended after the constitutional court annulled the elections just two days before a scheduled runoff on December 8.

The court’s decision came after far-right populist Călin Georgescu unexpectedly won the first round, sparking allegations of Russian interference and electoral violations.

Multiple opposition parties, including the far-right Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), the nationalist Save Romania Union (USR), and the youth-focused Young Romania Party, launched efforts to remove Iohannis through a parliamentary motion.

Some lawmakers from the governing coalition were also expected to vote in favor of his dismissal.

Following Iohannis’ resignation, authorities have scheduled new presidential elections, with the first round set for May 4.

If no candidate secures over 50% of the vote, a runoff election will take place on May 18. It remains unclear whether Georgescu will be eligible to run again.