EXCERPT: Romania’s far-right opposition parties are pushing to impeach President Iohannis after a voided election
Romania’s political landscape faces further turbulence as three opposition far-right parties initiated impeachment proceedings against outgoing President Klaus Iohannis. This move follows the annulment of last year’s contentious presidential election, though the likelihood of its success remains slim.
The European Union and NATO member state, which borders Ukraine, was thrust into institutional disarray after far-right NATO critic Calin Georgescu won the first round of the November 24 election. Accusations of Russian interference, denied by Moscow, ultimately led to the election’s annulment, prompting a re-run scheduled for May 4 and May 18.
Despite Iohannis’ second and final term expiring on December 21, Romania’s top court ruled that he would remain in office until a successor is elected. However, the far-right parties, controlling about 35% of parliamentary seats, filed a request to remove him from office on Thursday. These groups have also supported Georgescu’s failed attempts to overturn the annulment.
Under Romanian law, impeachment requires a majority vote in parliament. While the opposition has sufficient numbers to propose impeachment, the pro-European ruling coalition, formed after the December 1 parliamentary elections, holds a narrow majority expected to block the motion.
This development underscores the ongoing political instability in Romania, as it navigates tensions between pro-European and far-right factions amidst external concerns over democratic processes.
Melissa Enoch
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