Annulment of Romania’s Presidential Elections Leads to President’s Resignation

Calin Georgescu speaks to the media after voting in the Presidential Elections, in Bucharest, Romania, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/ Alexandru Dobre)

In December 2024, Romania's Constitutional Court annulled the first round of the presidential election due to supposed evidence of external, Russian interference in the campaign of far-right candidate Călin Georgescu. Although running independently, with no political party affiliation, and sporadic presence at televised presidential debates, he managed to win the vote during the first round of the presidential elections.

 Irregularities were announced within Georgescu’s campaign, including manipulation, concealment of campaign funding, and violations of electoral law. Despite claiming he ran a “zero-cost” electoral campaign, Georgescu allegedly benefited from undisclosed foreign support, which he used to make a large appearance on social media platforms, specifically TikTok and supposedly paid influencers to promote him on the platform. 

Despite the unexpected popularity of Georgescu, he was initially running against 13 other candidates in the first round. The runnerup candidate was liberal candidate Elena Lasconi, member of the Save Romania Union (USR) political party. However, just two days before the final round of the presidential elections, on December 6, 2024, the Constitutional Court made the unprecedented decision to annul the elections, citing concerns over potential foreign interference and electoral irregularities. 

Although the decision sparked nationwide protests, as many citizens feared the implications for Romania’s democracy and its future within NATO and the European Union, the president of Romania’s Constitutional Court, Marian Enache said that the annulment of the presidential elections did not take away citizens' right to vote, but protected it.

Former President Klaus Iohannis steps down the podium after his farewell speech, at the Cotroceni Presidential Palace in Bucharest, Romania, Wednesday, Feb.12, 2025.  (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)

Additionally, former President Klaus Iohannis came under increasing pressure from populist groups, who aimed to remove him from office. On Feb. 10 2025, Iohannis announced his resignation, which would take effect on Feb. 12. In an official statement transcribed by the Presidential Administration Iohannis said in a statement that his suspension is unnecessary since he’s leaving office soon. He believes it’s unfair because he hasn’t broken any rules and warns it will create a crisis, leading to a referendum with negative effects on the country.

He further states that internally this will cause a division between the Romanian people, creating more chaos for the re-elections. Externally, Romania’s international partners will find it difficult to understand the purpose of dismissing the President when the process for electing a new one has already begun, making the government appear weak.

Although the Senate President Ilie Bolojan stepped in as Interim President, February 26, 2025, Iohannis’ resignation marks a critical moment for Romania, highlighting political divisions and uncertainty right before the re-elections scheduled for May 4. As Romania faces this crisis, its democracy and global reputation are being challenged. The next few months will decide whether the country becomes stronger or more divided.