Romanian President Klaus Iohannis rules out resignation

President Klaus Iohannis rules out the possibility of resigning from office, as demanded by opposition parties.

He believes that during this period it is important for the state institutions to prepare very seriously for the presidential elections in May and this is the topic that should be of interest, not his resignation.

"I think this is a topic that is being circulated for populist and electioneering reasons, because, isn't it true, we operate according to the Constitution and the Constitution is very clear and it tells me that I have to stay until I hand over the mandate to the newly elected president. I think that clarifies the whole discussion and I do not think that is what we need to talk about anyway. We must prepare for new elections. Romania must elect a president. And Romanians must understand that this is the topic we need to discuss. I honestly see no point in prolonged discussions about whether or not I should have stayed. That is not the topic", Klaus Iohannis explained.

The Alliance for the Unity of Romanians further states that President Klaus Iohannis currently occupies the office illegitimately and considers his refusal to resign as an affront to democracy and the Romanian people.

The leader of the AUR group in the Chamber of Deputies, Mihai Enache, says his party will continue to campaign for the suspension of Klaus Iohannis to be put on the agenda.

Such an appeal, initiated by the POT party in the Parliament, was rejected at the end of last week on the grounds that it did not follow the procedure.

USR leader Elena Lasconi also considers the head of state illegitimate and accuses him of lack of dignity. She believes that Klaus Iohannis' statements will further displease citizens who are frustrated by the annulment of last year's presidential elections.

Translated by: Radu Matei