Romanian President Klaus Iohannis resigns ahead of election re-run

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis has announced his resignation ahead of a re-run of the presidential election, which was controversially cancelled last year. The vote, originally held in December, was voided by Romania's top court due to allegations of Russian interference.

Iohannis, a pro-EU liberal, had previously stated that he would remain in office until a new president was elected in May. However, his decision faced significant criticism from far-right politicians and their supporters, who performed well in the initial December vote. Their discontent led to mass protests across Romania last month.

In response to growing pressure, including opposition lawmakers' calls for his suspension, Iohannis stated that he would step down to avoid a "damaging" and divisive referendum. He expressed his desire to spare the country further crisis, confirming he would officially resign on Wednesday.