President Klaus Iohannis is being pursued for impeachment by Romania’s far-right opposition

EXCERPT: Following a voided election, Romania’s political landscape is currently undergoing additional turmoil as three opposition far-right parties have initiated impeachment proceedings against President Iohannis.

The political landscape of Romania is currently experiencing additional turmoil as three opposition far-right parties have initiated impeachment proceedings against the outgoing President, Klaus Iohannis. This action follows the annulment of the contentious presidential election from the previous year, although the probability of its success is still low.

The first round of the November 24 election was won by far-right NATO critic Calin Georgescu, which resulted in institutional disarray in the European Union and NATO member state that borders Ukraine. 

The election was ultimately annulled as a result of allegations of Russian interference, which Moscow denied. This prompted a re-run, which is scheduled for May 4 and May 18.

Iohannis’ second and final term was set to expire on December 21, but Romania’s highest court determined that he would continue to serve until a successor is elected. Nevertheless, on Thursday, the far-right parties, which hold approximately 35% of the parliamentary seats, submitted a request to remove him from office. Georgescu’s unsuccessful endeavors to reverse the annulment have also been endorsed by these organizations.

Impeachment necessitates a majority decision in parliament under Romanian legislation. While the opposition has the necessary numbers to suggest impeachment, the pro-European ruling coalition, which was established following the December 1 parliamentary elections, is anticipated to thwart the motion with a narrow majority.

This development serves to emphasize Romania’s persistent political instability, as the country negotiates tensions between pro-European and far-right factions amid external apprehensions regarding democratic processes.