Romanian President Iohannis Resigns over Election Crisis

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis announced his resignation on Monday, citing pulling out to avert more crisis after last year’s scrapped presidential vote. The second round of voting was due to take place in December but was called off with claims of Russian interference. Far-right candidate Calin Georgescu was initially set to contest the runoff after the first round, where he secured just 22.9% of the vote.

Georgescu called the resignation “a victory of the people” after the top court of Romania had annulled the vote following declassified intelligence reports on Russian meddling. Iohannis, now in his second term as president, will remain in office until a new election is held on May 4, 2025. Ilie Bolojan, the leader of Romania’s Senate, will take over presidential duties until then.