Romanian President Klaus Iohannis resigns after pressure by populists

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis has announced his resignation amid mounting pressure from populist opposition groups.

The move comes two months after a top court annulled a presidential election in the European Union country.

“To spare Romania from this crisis, I am resigning as president of Romania,” Mr Iohannis said in an emotional address on Monday, adding that he will leave office on February 12.

The 65-year-old has held the presidential role since 2014 and served the maximum of two five-year terms.

But his presidency was extended in December after the Constitutional Court cancelled the presidential race two days before a December 8 run-off.

That came after the far-right populist Calin Georgescu unexpectedly won the first round, after which allegations emerged of Russian interference and electoral violations.