Romanian President Klaus Iohannis announced on Monday (Feb. 10) that he will step down from office after ten years in power, just one day before parliament was set to vote on his impeachment.
“To spare Romania and its citizens from this crisis, I am resigning from the office of President of Romania. I will leave office the day after tomorrow, February 12,” Iohannis declared in a statement.
His second and final term officially ended on December 21, but a December ruling by the Constitutional Court extended his presidency until a successor could be elected. However, the country has been in political turmoil since the court annulled the results of the November presidential election, in which Calin Georgescu, a previously little-known candidate, won an unexpected first-round victory.
Election Dispute and Political Deadlock
Following the court’s decision to nullify the first-round results, new elections were scheduled for May 4 (first round) and May 18 (runoff). In the meantime, political tensions have escalated, with parliament gearing up for a third attempt to suspend Iohannis from office.
Two previous impeachment motions were blocked due to procedural reasons, but this time, opposition parties secured enough support to push forward the motion. The initiative was backed by:
- The Party of Young People (POT)
- The Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR)
- SOS Party
- MPs from the Save Romania Union (USR)
Reactions and Political Fallout
Romania’s ruling Social Democratic Party (PSD) has sought to contain the crisis, with Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu assuring the public that “all necessary measures” have been taken to prevent financial market instability.
Meanwhile, Crin Antonescu, the presidential candidate backed by the three ruling coalition parties, welcomed Iohannis’ resignation, stating it was “preferable to an impeachment process, which would have put a false theme on the public agenda.”
The annulled election winner Calin Georgescu framed the resignation as a victory for democracy, posting on X (formerly Twitter): “Victory for the people of Romania – Klaus Iohannis resigned! Now, it’s time to return to the rule of law and resume the second round of elections!”
Similarly, AUR leader George Simion celebrated the decision, posting on Facebook:
“This is your victory. Now it’s time to restore the second round!”
Interim Leadership and Next Steps
With Iohannis stepping down, Senate President and interim leader of the National Liberal Party (PNL), Ilie Bolojan, will assume presidential duties starting Wednesday, February 12. As interim head of state, Bolojan will oversee military and foreign policies until a new president is officially elected.
While Iohannis’ resignation avoids a prolonged impeachment battle, Romania now enters a crucial transition period, with political uncertainty still looming ahead of the rescheduled elections.
UPDATE 12/02/2025
Ilie Bolojan Takes Office as Interim President of Romania
Ilie Bolojan
Interim President of Romania
(Image credit: Gov.gr)
The Constitutional Court of Romania declared the office of President vacant on Tuesday, confirming that Ilie Bolojan, President of the Senate, will assume the role of interim president on February 12, 2025. Bolojan, a seasoned politician, previously served as Mayor of Oradea and President of the Bihor County Council. His appointment follows the National Liberal Party’s (PNL) historic defeat in the first round of the now-annulled 2024 presidential election and the subsequent resignation of Nicolae Ciuca. As a result, Bolojan now also serves as the party’s acting president.
