Romania’s President Klaus Iohannis on February 10 announced his resignation effective February 12, arguing that the procedures initiated in parliament for his suspension from the post ahead of a dismissal referendum would push the country into a costly political crisis.

Earlier on February 10, the parliament endorsed a request by opposition lawmakers and tabled for February 11 a vote on Iohannis’ suspension from his post. The vote was scheduled just months before Romanians will elect a new president in May. 

In a televised address to the nation, Iohannis said he stepped down to avoid a crisis that would have damaging effects both within and outside the country. 

Commenting on the domestic impact, Iohannis said it would overshadow the upcoming presidential election. “There will be no discussion about the upcoming presidential elections. There will be no discussion about how Romania will move forward. The candidates will not even be able to present their ideas.” 

Internationally, he added, Romania would “effectively be the laughing stock of the world”. 

Romania will hold presidential elections on May 4 and 18, after the Constitutional Court stopped and annulled the electoral process in December, before the second ballot. 

Although not specifically indicated, the annulment was grounded on irregularities related to the campaign of ultranationalist candidate Calin Georgescu, who made it to the second round alongside Elena Lasconi of Union Save Romania (USR). 

Iohannis' five-year presidential term officially ended on December 21. However, on December 6, following the annulment of the presidential elections, he announced that he would remain in office until a new president is elected. His decision was based on a contested constitutional interpretation and guidance from the Constitutional Court.

The nationalist opposition, possibly with the support of the reformist USR, aim to force the resumption of the electoral process with the second round, by the cancellation of the Constitutional Court's ruling. 

Even if not successful, such efforts will keep Georgescu high on the public agenda until May, when he expects to win the presidential elections. If the election process is resumed from the very beginning (which is likely), Bucharest mayor Nicusor Dan and former Liberal leader Crin Antonescu are Georgescu's main challengers.

Some members of the ruling coalition have already spoken in favour of a smooth replacement of Iohannis with the Senate speaker, who can serve as acting president according to the constitution.

After two consecutive terms, Iohannis' electoral support has dropped to unprecedented levels for a Romanian president. His alleged role in the annulment of the presidential elections – reportedly to benefit the ruling coalition of the National Liberal Party (PNL) and Social Democratic Party (PSD) – has further damaged his credibility.