Romania\u2019s Constitutional Court ruled on Tuesday, February 11, that the office of the President of Romania will become vacant on February 12, following the resignation of Klaus-Werner Iohannis.<\/p>\n
The Court\u2019s decision states that the vacancy of the presidential office constitutes grounds for interim leadership, effective February 12, 2025. As a result of the resignation, Senate president Ilie Bolojan will assume the interim presidency of the country.\u00a0The ruling was adopted unanimously by the Constitutional Court.<\/p>\n
According to the Constitution, an interim president has certain limitations on his powers. He represents the Romanian state domestically and internationally, promulgates laws and may request their re-examination, can refer laws to the Constitutional Court for a review, may address messages to Parliament, declare a state of emergency with parliamentary approval, appoints and dismisses minister at the prime minister\u2019s proposal, acts as supreme commander of the armed forces, and can participate in government meetings.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He cannot, however, dissolve the parliament, initiate a referendum, or address the parliament with political messages.<\/p>\n
Ilie Bolojan<\/a> has been the head of the National Liberal Party (PNL) since last year’s annulled presidential elections. Prior to taking on a more prominent role in national politics, he was known as a reform-minded figure in the local administration, having served as mayor of Oradea, in western Romania, from 2008 to 2020, and as president of Bihor County Council since 2020.<\/p>\n