BUCHAREST - Klaus Iohannis concluded his tenure as President of Romania on Wednesday, with Senate President Ilie Bolojan assuming the role of interim head of state.

The handover ceremony took place at Cotroceni Palace, where Iohannis welcomed Bolojan in the Hall of Honor and they held a brief meeting.

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Iohannis resigned on Monday, citing concerns that an impending parliamentary suspension vote could plunge Romania into a crisis.

Bolojan, who had previously served as interim president of the National Liberal Party, suspended himself from party leadership prior to assuming office.

He will serve as interim president until May, when Romania holds its presidential elections. The first round is scheduled for May 4, with a potential runoff on May 18.

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Ilie Bolojan, 55, was elected President of the Senate in December 2024.