Resignation of Romania's President Klaus Iohannis (2025)

Romania President Klaus Iohannis resigned from the office of President on 10 February 2025. The decision to resign came as a result of the political crisis and constitutional uncertainties experienced in the country. Iohannis stepped down before the impeachment process initiated against him could be concluded.

Klaus Iohannis, 10 July 2024 – Klaus Iohannis official Facebook account

Background

Klaus Iohannis was elected president in 2014 and served two five-year period terms. In the first round of the presidential election held at the end of 2024, far-right and NATO opponent candidate Calin Georgescu received the highest number of votes. Allegations that Russia interfered in the electoral process led the on Romanian Constitutional Court to annul the elections. As a result, Iohannis’s term was extended until a new president was elected.

During this period, opposition parties including AUR (Alliance for the Unity of Romania), the SOS Party, and the Youth Party criticized the annulment of the elections and Iohannis’s continued tenure. In early 2025, these parties launched an impeachment process in parliament to remove Iohannis from office.

Resignation Process

Iohannis’s resignation occurred before the third impeachment vote in parliament. Two previous attempts had been rejected on procedural grounds, but opposition the third attempt succeeded in gathering the required number of signatures. The vote in parliament was widely expected to approve the impeachment process.

In a statement on 10 February 2025, Iohannis said, “I am resigning from the office of President of Romania to rescue Romania from this crisis.” He also emphasized that his resignation was intended to prevent further damage to the country’s political and international reputation. Following Iohannis’s resignation, Ilie Bolojan, leader of the National Liberal Party (PNL) and President of the Senate, was appointed interim President.

Subsequent Developments

The first round of the new presidential election in Romania is scheduled for 4 April 2025, with the second round set for 18 May 2025.

Protests erupted in the capital Bucharest following Iohannis’s resignation. Clashes occurred between security forces and demonstrators, and police intervened. Meanwhile, the Europe Union and NATO stated they were closely monitoring developments in Romania and expressed their expectation that the electoral process would proceed within a democratic framework.