Romania President announces resignation
Romania’s President Klaus Iohannis announced his resignation on Monday after facing increasing pressure to leave office before the re-run of a canceled election.
The country’s top court had annulled the December presidential elections due to allegations of Russian interference, triggering political unrest.
Iohannis had initially planned to stay in office until his successor was elected in May.
However, lawmakers moved to suspend him, and opposition parties made two previous attempts to force his removal.
To avoid further instability, he decided to step down voluntarily.
His resignation follows mass protests led by the far-right AUR party, whose leader, George Simion, called the move a victory for the people.
The party had gained significant support in the December parliamentary elections.
Senate President Ilie Bolojan is expected to take over as interim leader.
Romania will hold a fresh presidential election on May 4, with a possible second round on May 18 if no candidate wins outright.
Iohannis, who has been in office since 2014, has navigated several political crises during his tenure.
His resignation is an unusual event in the European Union, leaving Romania in a period of uncertainty as it prepares for new leadership.
