BUCHAREST, Feb 12 (Reuters) - Ilie Bolojan, the leader of Romania's centrist Liberal Party, assumed the role of interim president on Wednesday. He is tasked with navigating the country through a presidential election in May amidst a growing influence of far-right politics.
In December, Romania, a member of the European Union and NATO, faced turmoil following allegations of Russian interference in favor of far-right, anti-NATO factions during a presidential election. This situation led to the cancellation of the election and a surge in hard-right parties in the parliament, underscoring widespread dissatisfaction with the established pro-European parties tainted by corruption allegations.
Bolojan, aged 55, who served as the senate speaker until Wednesday and held positions as a long-time mayor and county council head, succeeds centrist Klaus Iohannis. Iohannis resigned on Monday to forestall an impeachment attempt by opposition groups.
Amid ongoing political tensions, hard-right lawmakers are planning a vote of no confidence against the coalition government, which includes Bolojan's Liberals. Despite holding a delicate majority in parliament currently, the government faces a looming threat of destabilization.
In his capacity as interim president, Bolojan is empowered to designate a new prime minister should the current government collapse.
The role of Romania's president, limited to two five-year terms, involves representing the country at EU and NATO summits, appointing key officials such as the prime minister, judges, prosecutors, and intelligence heads. The president presides over the armed forces and chairs the supreme defence council, which plays a crucial role in military decisions, notably concerning neighboring Ukraine.
Until the rescheduled presidential election on May 4 and 18, Bolojan will grapple with mounting challenges, including navigating a slowing EU economy amidst U.S. tariff threats and addressing Romania's high budget deficit, the largest in the EU.