Romania’s president steps down, interim leader assumes the role

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis has resigned and handed over the powers to Ilie Bolojanu, the country's interim head of state.

The move to end Iohannis' two-term presidency. follows growing pressure from far-right populist opposition groups, who had filed a motion in Parliament calling for his removal, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Iohannis’ resignation marks the end of a leadership era that began in 2014, during which Romania navigated both internal and external challenges within the European Union and NATO.

Ilie Bolojan, the 55-year-old leader of the centre-right National Liberal Party (PNL) and former mayor, will serve as Romania’s acting president. Bolojan, who vacated his PNL leadership post to take up this role, pledged to work diligently to ensure Romania’s stability and maintain its international standing.

"I am fully prepared … to assume this honorable position,” Bolojan said in a statement. “I will do so with decency, working to maintain the stability of our country and ensuring our international partners that Romania is a reliable nation."

The resignation of Iohannis comes after a tumultuous period in Romanian politics, sparked by the annulment of a presidential election result by the Constitutional Court. This decision followed allegations of electoral violations and Russian interference, after far-right populist candidate Calin Georgescu emerged as a surprising leader in the first round of voting. Although Iohannis’ term officially concluded in December, his role was extended by the court’s ruling, which delayed the presidential election.

As acting president, Bolojan’s authority will be limited, as the office's significant powers in national security, foreign policy, and judicial appointments remain under the control of the caretaker government. However, Bolojan has pledged to navigate the challenges ahead with a steady hand as Romania prepares for a fresh presidential election.

The presidential race will begin in May, with the first round scheduled for May 4. If no candidate secures more than 50% of the vote, a runoff election will take place on May 18.

By Khagan Isayev