Romania’s President Klaus Iohannis announced his resignation on Monday after facing growing pressure to step down before the re-run of a voided election.
Allegations of Russian interference led the country’s top court to cancel the December presidential elections, sparking political turmoil.
Iohannis, who had planned to remain in office until a new leader was elected in May, said his resignation aimed to prevent a national crisis.
His decision came as MPs initiated a procedure to suspend him, following previous failed attempts by the opposition.
The far-right AUR party, which gained a significant share of votes in the December parliamentary elections, had led mass protests against the election annulment.
Party leader George Simion celebrated Iohannis’s resignation, calling it a victory for the people.
Senate President Ilie Bolojan is expected to take over as interim leader.
The first round of new presidential elections is scheduled for May 4, with a potential second round on May 18 if no candidate secures more than half the votes.
Iohannis, 65, has been in office since 2014, handling multiple political crises during his tenure.
