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"In order to spare Romania and its citizens from this crisis, I am resigning as President of Romania. I will leave office the day after tomorrow, on February 12," Klaus Iohannis announced.
According to the Romanian Constitution, the presidency becomes vacant in cases of resignation, removal from office, permanent inability to fulfill duties, or death. The Constitution also states that within three months of the presidency becoming vacant, the government must organize elections for a new president. During this period, the interim presidency is assumed by the second-highest-ranking official in the state—the President of the Senate. Currently, that role is held by Ilie Bolojan, who is also the interim leader of the National Liberal Party (PNL). Before taking office, he must first resign from his party position.
Under Article 98 of the Constitution, an interim president has limited powers and cannot dissolve Parliament, initiate a referendum, or address Parliament with political messages. If the interim president commits serious constitutional violations, Articles 95 and 98 apply, allowing for suspension and replacement.
"Today, the Romanian Parliament initiated the procedure to suspend the President. This is a pointless move because, in just a few months, I would have left office anyway after the election of a new President. It is unfounded because I have never—let me repeat, never—violated the Constitution. And it is a harmful move because, in the end, everyone loses. No one wins. In just a few days, Parliament would have voted on my suspension, triggering a referendum to remove me from office. This entire process would have consequences, both domestically and internationally.
At home, the referendum would be entirely negative. Society would be divided—some in favor, others against. The discussion would be centered solely on conflict. The country would be thrown into chaos. No one would focus on the upcoming presidential elections or on Romania’s future. Candidates wouldn't even be able to present their platforms amid this wave of negativity.
On the international stage, the effects would be long-lasting and damaging. Our partners would be baffled as to why Romania is removing its President just as the process to elect a new one is already underway. No one would understand the point of such an action when the President was leaving soon anyway. Frankly put, we would be a laughingstock.
To spare Romania and its citizens from this crisis—this unnecessary and negative spiral—I am resigning as President of Romania. I will step down the day after tomorrow, on February 12. May God bless Romania!" said Klaus Iohannis in a press conference.
Băsescu argued that a president has the duty to serve their full term, regardless of political pressure. He expressed disappointment that Iohannis "failed to withstand the pressure of a group that seeks to restore the old order in Romania," implying that the resignation was a victory for political forces aiming to undermine democratic progress.
Băsescu, who himself faced suspension attempts during his presidency but completed both his terms, emphasized that tenacity is a key quality for a head of state. He suggested that Iohannis' departure creates instability at a critical time for the country, with presidential elections only a few months away. The former president’s remarks highlight a broader concern about the strength of Romania’s democratic institutions and the precedent set by a sitting leader stepping down under political pressure.
