Klaus Iohannis resigns: Romanian leaders react to decision
Romania’s political scene has erupted following President Klaus Iohannis' resignation, announced on February 10.
Leaders from across the political spectrum reacted swiftly, offering contrasting opinions on the decision. Elena Lasconi, president of the Save Romania Union (USR), criticized Iohannis for making the move too late, suggesting it was no longer honorable. George Simion, leader of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), declared the resignation a victory for his supporters and demanded the second round of last year's presidential election be rerun. Crin Antonescu, the co-chair of the coalition, defended Iohannis, calling it a wise decision.
Former president Traian Băsescu, however, labeled the resignation as an act of cowardice, emphasizing that Iohannis had a constitutional obligation to finish his term. Meanwhile, the National Liberal Party (PNL) argued that the resignation was preferable to a suspension process, which could have caused even more chaos domestically and internationally.
Supporters of independent presidential candidate Călin Georgescu gathered for a protest in Bucharest's Piața Victoriei. The demonstration, organized on the same day Georgescu called for a supermarket boycott, saw protesters selling traditional goods like eggs, cheese, bacon, and milk outside the government headquarters. Protesters voiced demands for freedom, democracy, and a cleaner environment, echoing claims of a shift from post-1989 liberty to what they perceive as a dictatorship.
The interim presidency will be held by Senate President Ilie Bolojan until the presidential elections in May. Iohannis stated that his decision was motivated by a desire to prevent further crisis in Romania, as Parliament was set to vote on his suspension.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
