Political parties in Romania have submitted a proposal to remove President Klaus Iohannis from office. The nationalist Youth Party announced that 161 parliamentarians have supported the initiative, which is also supported by the Alliance for the Unification of Romanians, as well as SOS Romania. However, the number of signatures is below the required majority of 234 votes needed for a successful impeachment, BTA reports.
The Romanian constitution allows for the removal of the head of state in cases of proven serious violations of the basic law, but requires consultations with the Constitutional Court before parliament makes a final decision.
Criticism of the proposal: “Populism instead of a solution“
Senate President Ilie Bologian characterized the initiative as a “political game“ aimed at attracting the sympathies of disgruntled citizens. According to him, the proposal is contrary to the country's interests and creates a risk of additional financial instability, since new presidential elections are already scheduled.
“This is not a step towards responsibility, but an attempt at a political maneuver that will not bring real benefits to Romania,“ Bologian commented.
Elections and party dynamics
The nationalist parties that initiated the proposal support the candidacy of independent Calin Georgescu for president - a former member of the Alliance for the Unification of Romanians. They are seeking to strengthen their positions before the upcoming elections, taking advantage of the disappointment with the long term of Iohannis, whose popularity has declined.
Although the impeachment initiative seems unlikely to be implemented, it serves as a political move, highlighting the changes in the balance of power and intensifying competition between the main political players.