At a PNL extraordinary congress, he was elected First Vice President of the Party. However, he is pleading for the acceptance of differences and diversity: "nobody should be persecuted because they belong to a different group or they are different".[101].

Local andinternational NGOs and prominent intellectualsblastedthe newcoalitionasthe most shameless betrayal of a popular vote after 1990,when Communist rulecame to an end. [79] After election, his position mitigated, stressing that, at the moment, Romania should support Moldova to consolidate its pro-European path. Bidens Middle East expedition: Reputation dinged, interests secured. We do not have a partnership, he declared. ", "MAE acuz manifestri provocatoare ale prii maghiare: Deturneaz afirmaiile preedintelui Iohannis", "Orbn Viktor reakcija Iohannis magyarellenes kirohansra: egyelre ne vegyk fel a kesztyt", "Eltlik a romn prtok is Johannis autonmiatervezettel kapcsolatos kirohanst", "President Iohannis fined RON 5,000 for statements regarding passage of Szeklerland autonomy bill", "Ukraine defends education reform as Hungary promises 'pain', "Kyiv 'Disappointed' As Romanian President Cancels Ukraine Visit Over Language Bill", "Alocuiunea Preedintelui Romniei, domnul Klaus Iohannis, susinut n cadrul edinei de bilan privind activitatea Direciei Naionale Anticorupie pe anul 2015", "Iohannis: I see no reason to suspend DNA head Kovesi", "Pressure on head of Romanian anti-corruption body increases", "Ponta i Iohannis despre legalizarea cstoriilor ntre persoane de acelai sex", "Klaus Iohannis despre modificarea Constitutiei in legatura cu definirea familiei: Sunt adeptul tolerantei, este gresit sa mergem pe calea fanatismului religios", "K. Iohannis: Eu sunt adeptul toleranei", "Iohannis versus Patriarhul, n disputa privind cuplurile homosexuale i habotnicii religioi. Scutaru, ctre parlamentarii PSD: "A trebuit s pierdei alegerile prezideniale pentru a aduce proiectul pe ordinea de zi", "Iohannis i cere din nou demisia lui Ponta: Votul din Parlament, iresponsabilitate i sfidare", "Cum arat "Romnia lucrului bine fcut" dup primele ase luni ale lui Klaus Iohannis la Cotroceni", "Klaus Iohannis anunta ca nu este de acord cu modificarea Codului Penal. Because the Parliament has not implemented the commitments made on 28 January, Iohannis has organised another series of consultations on the state of electoral laws,[54] but also on rejection of Justice requests for approval of arrest or prosecution of MPs. In 2001, he was elected President of the Democratic Forum of Germans in Romania.

Iohannis: "Contam pe Germania pentru Schengen"; Merkel: "Nu promit", "Klaus Iohannis, vizita oficiala in Polonia. Through the work and achievements, you've earned the appreciation of the Romanian citizens who want to live in a just society, in a country without corruption, the institutions, elect to represent them and those who perform public functions are actually serving the people.

[94] Iohannis was fined RON5,000 by the National Council for Combating Discrimination (CNCD) for discrimination and ethnicity/nationality-based violation of the right to dignity. In the 2020electioncampaign,we had a common message with Iohannisthat by voting for the PNL you would be getting rid of the PSD, Orban, who has now quit the PNL and says he plans to form a newcenter-right force, told POLITICO.

[87] On 29 April, Klaus Iohannis criticised the draft's adoption in a television speech, stating "as we fight the coronavirus pandemic, the PSD fights in the secret offices of the parliament to give Transylvania to the Hungarians". Inventarul declaraiilor preedintelui despre partidul-dezastru bun acum pentru o guvernare cu PNL - Politic - HotNews.ro", "Manifest anti-Iohannis, zeci de intelectuali si activisti: "Este o mineriada politica. Vizita preedintelui Klaus Iohannis n Turcia", "Preedintele Klaus Iohannis i prima doamn ofer o recepie la Luxemburg n onoarea ducelui i ducesei de Luxemburg", "Ce a obtinut Romania dupa summitul NATO de la Varsovia.

As a lawmaker, shehasarguedagainst dismantling aunitofinvestigators that targetsprosecutors and judges. We have many Romanians in Ukraine. Vicol, for her part, has defended herself instatements, sayingshesproud of her career and supports judicialindependence, andinsistingshe has never breached the legal professions rules.

The two parties will eventually merge under the name PNL, but went for elections in an alliance: the Christian Liberal Alliance (Romanian: Aliana Cretin-Liberal). Pentru muli alii, este nc un motiv de a pleca din ar, i nu din cauza banilor", Sondaj CURS realizat la comanda PSD: Partidul lui Ciolacu a ajuns la 38%, PNL a sczut la 18% / 35% l indic pe Klaus Iohannis drept principalul vinovat pentru criza politic, "Presa elveian, despre guvernul PSD PNL UDMR: Coaliia dumanilor i sfritul unei sperane / Este vorba doar de a nu pierde accesul la putere i bani", "Ion Cristoiu: Aliana PNL-PSD e victoria lui Klaus Iohannis, poate cea mai mare victorie a sa din cei 10 ani de mandat", "NZZ: Demistificarea lui Klaus Iohannis | DW | 29.11.2021", "Analiz | Un an de la alegerile parlamentare. The EU, which has a special program tomonitorthejustice systemof Romania and itsneighborBulgaria,has calledforthe disbanding ofthe unitto ensurejudicialindependence. Romanias president Klaus Iohannis has built a glowing international reputation as a champion of democracy | Pool photo by Hannack McKay/AFP via Getty Images. Iohannis has said that migration "has to be controlled" and "it affects Romanian habits" and has supported stronger external European borders. But I have rejected such a proposal because it comes from PSD or another party [PNL]", referring to his alleged constraint to consider a proposal of the largest party (PDL), constraint disputed by the other parties.

[114] The statement sparked indignation among unionists[81] who accused him of demagogy, considering that during the electoral campaign of 2014 he expressed a favorable position on the issue.

[123][124][125] Two months later, he praised the new coalition, stating that "the Romanian political class has shown democratic maturity". She insists shes independent. Patriarhia i Coaliia pentru Familie, indignate", "Romanian leader urges tolerance for same-sex couples", "President Iohannis: Migration has to be controlled; We have to consolidate the borders of the Union Business Review", "Romania Changes Heart on EU Refugee Quota", "ANAF: Antena 1 i Antena 3 au cinci zile s evacueze sediile", "Klaus Iohannis ia aprarea Antenei 3: Libertatea de exprimare nu poate fi suprimata pentru banale motive administrative / Abordarea heirupist a ANAF, cel puin nepotrivit / Exist deschidere, pn la urm se gsesc soluii convenabile", "Revolt pe Facebook mpotriva lui Klaus Iohannis: 'mi pare ru c v-am votat', "Klaus Iohannis, prsit pe Facebook: ase unlike-uri pe minut", "Klaus Iohannis: Unirea cu R. Moldova poate fi discutat cnd lucrurile sunt stabile", "Cum crede Klaus Iohannis c poate fi realizat unirea Republicii Moldova cu Romnia", "Bsescu: Absena lui Iohannis de la edina solemn privind Unirea, o eroare politic major", "Romanian President Sees Lasting Political Crisis as Virus Surges", "Ministers Resign from Romanian Govt as Political Crisis Deepens", "Barna, apel ctre Iohannis s termine criza politic: "Fr timpi mori i fr amnri", "Pentru Iohannis, criza politic, de care este i el responsabil, nu este deloc ngrijortoare.

[84] He argued for more and improved cooperation between Romanians and Hungarians "as the only solution for us" instead, stressing local administrative reforms and developing the region. Some Liberalshavealso voicedconcern about the appointment of Vicol, whose committee has a say on key judiciary laws and regulations as well as veto power on launchingpolitical corruptioninvestigations. However, he chose to live and work in Romania. ", "How Romania and Poland can strengthen NATO and the EU", "Preedintele i partidele au semnat Acordul privind pragul minimal de 2% din PIB pentru Aprare. [24] Sibiu, or Hermannstadt in German, was built by the Transylvanian Saxons, was for many centuries the cultural centre of that group, and was a predominantly German-speaking city until the mid 20th century. The party promotes a conservative vision of Christianity, preaching traditional family values and railing against same-sex marriage. [46], The collaboration with socialist Prime Minister Victor Ponta was praised by both sides at the start of the mandate, but deteriorated thereafter once with foreign visits of the Head of the Executive, without informing the President, but especially with the criminal prosecution of Victor Ponta for 22 alleged corruption charges, prompting Iohannis to demand his resignation from the head of the Government. Romanian society is not yet ready for a definite answer.

[3] He was again the candidate for Prime Minister of the PNL and the Social Democratic Party (PSD) in the elections in the same year.[4]. While not explicitly telling supporters to avoidinoculations, it opposes vaccine passes and any restrictions on people who have not been jabbed. I won't give an answer but as a president I am willing to open up the issue for discussion. In his address,Iohannis also saidthe country needed a government with a strong parliamentary basein order toquell rising inflation and take anti-COVID measures. Making one of its important position was on 25 February 2016 at the annual meeting of the National Anticorruption Directorate: "From year to year the work of the National Anticorruption Directorate has become more effective as the number of cases investigated and complexity, as well as final decisions on confiscation and recovery of property from crime.

They areone and the samething,despite dressing themselves up as left and right,he said. A few days after the interview with POLITICO,Simion wascaught on videousing a homophobic slur to describe theUSRparty. Andbacksliding ontherule of law couldimperilaccesstoEUfunds. UDMR, which the previous day announced it would also attend, declared in the morning that all their leaders were not in the city. By logging in, you confirm acceptance of ourPOLITICO Privacy Policy.

"Daca taceai, filozof ramaneai", "Cnd crede preedintele Iohannis c ar fi posibil unirea cu Republica Moldova", "Hungarian Minority's Demands for Autonomy in Romania: Brushfire or Prelude to Full-Fledged Blaze? [103] "It is wrong to give obedience or walk the path of religious fanaticism and ultimatum solicitations. [30] After the nomination of Croitoru, Antonescu, a candidate in the presidential election, stated that he would nominate Iohannis as prime minister if elected president. [20] During his first term, Iohannis worked with a city council which was formed by PDSR, FDGR, PD, CDR, and PRM. Iohannis: Astzi artm militarilor romni c i respectm i c dorim s le mbuntim condiiile", "Consultari la Palatul Cotroceni. Dorete control total pe guvern i pe PNL prin intermediul premierului. [83] Iohannis, on a visit to the region in July, cautioned against decentralization and the creation of regions based on the ethnic origin of residents. Klaus Iohannis a anuntat promulgarea a doua noi legi pana la jumatatea lunii mai", "Klaus Iohannis, consultri cu partidele politice pe tema Strategiei Naionale de Aprare", "Klaus Iohannis face o vizita oficiala in Franta: "Vom discuta despre relatiile romano-franceze, dar si despre combaterea terorismului si Ucraina", "Klaus Iohannis s-a intalnit la Chisinau cu liderii partidelor proeuropene din Republica Moldova", "Presedintele Romaniei s-a intalnit cu cancelarul german. [85], On 28 April 2020, a draft legislation favouring the autonomy of Szkely Land, submitted by two deputies of the Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania (UDMR) in December 2019,[86] was tacitly adopted by the Chamber of Deputies, the lower house of the Parliament of Romania, in which the Social Democratic Party (PSD) held a plurality of seats and all whilst the National Liberal Party led a minority government. Some PNL memberssay Iohannis hasbadly damagedtheir partyby backinga governing alliancewith the PSD. Cea mai neruinat trdare a votului popular de dup 1990", "Marius Manole returneaz decoraia primit de la Klaus Iohannis. [9], Throughout his tenure as mayor, he has worked to restore the town's infrastructure and to tighten the city administration. A heavily disputed draft law proposed by Nicolae Pun, leader of the Party of the Roma, regarding the amnesty of some misdemeanors and the pardoning of certain penalties was rejected by the Chamber of Deputies at the initiative of Klaus Iohannis and the party he led,[45] after PNL asked the Judiciary Committee 17 times to reject the draft law. Born in the historic centre of Sibiu (German: Hermannstadt) to a Transylvanian Saxon family, Klaus Iohannis is the eldest child of Gustav Heinz and Susanne Johannis. However, sofarthe PSD hasresistedmeasures such asmandatory vaccines andthe use ofCOVID passes.

We are growing, AUR leader George Simion told POLITICO. I do not believe in them and do not support them. [40] He subsequently received 30.37% of the votes in the first round, finishing second and consequently qualifying for the second round. [5] He was initially elected in 2014 and then subsequently re-elected in 2019. Around 40 percentof the Romanian populationhave had two coronavirus vaccine doses, one of the lowest rates in Europe. It has nine members, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Slovakia. Thathas sparked anger among manyprevioussupporters of thepresident,a former mayor of the city ofSibiuwhowon a first termas head of statein 2014 on a platform of fighting corruption and strengthening judicialindependence,andwon re-electionhandilyin2019. [116], He is considered the primary responsible for the 2021 Romanian political crisis,[117][118][119][120] to the point that when asked in a CURS opinion poll from November 2021, 35% of respondents said that he is the main culprit for the said crisis.

After the second round of negotiations, a day before Croitoru's nomination, Bsescu noted: "Some parties have proposed Klaus Iohannis. [111] His position was met with a wave of criticism from supporters and public figures. The latest news, data and analysis on the worlds pandemic response. [37] In addition, former Prime Minister Clin Popescu-Triceanu also stated on 27 October 2009 and again on 23 April 2010 that he would like to see Iohannis become either Prime Minister or President of Romania sometime in the future.[38]. Prior entering politics, Iohannis was a physics teacher. [93] The president's comments were also criticised by members of the Romanian opposition parties PSD and ALDE, but also by the confidence and supply USR (which has been supporting the PNL minority government since 2019). Declaratia de pe Otopeni a presedintelui", "Klaus Iohannis face o vizit de dou zile n Croaia", "Klaus Iohannis, primit cu onoruri in Spania. His presidential campaign focused on fighting corruption and on improving the justice system. She did notrespond toa requestforcommentfromPOLITICO.

PNL and PDL started in the summer of 2014 procedures to strengthen the political right.

[30][31] Crin Antonescu, the leader of the National Liberals, vowed his party would derail other nominations but Iohannis'.

Mulumesc pentru c am avut onoarea s fiu preedintele PNL", "HANDELSBLATT: Cu un preedinte conservator, romnii sper ntr-un viitor mai bun | Agenia de pres Rador", "National minorities in Romania's Parliament support Mircea Geoana's candidacy for runoff presidential election FINANCIARUL ultimele stiri din Finante, Banci, Economie, Imobiliare si IT", "Romanians elect first ethnic German president", "Klaus Iohannis. Since 2008, FDGR has 14 out of 23 councilors, PDL has 4, PSD has 3, and PNL has 2.[22]. I trust that both the government and the parliament understand their importance,he said.

The two parties have shown they are not based on any doctrine. [28][29] The opposition criticized the President for not designating Iohannis.

[10] As of 2014, his parents, sister and a niece live in Wrzburg.

[95], Iohannis criticized Ukraine's 2017 education law, which makes Ukrainian the only language of education in state schools, and cancelled his visit to Kyiv in October 2017.

Iohannis is the political author of this situation. These critics include Vladimir Tismneanu, Tudor Chiril, Radu Paraschivescu[ro], Mircea Crtrescu, Andrei Oiteanu, Ada Solomon[ro],[129] Marius Manole[ro],[130] Cristian Tudor Popescu,[131] and Gabriel Liiceanu. In response, Antonescu told the press that Iohannis "is not the type of person that would let himself be used".

Analysts saythatsbecause the party is worried about losing support among its baseto the far-rightAlliancefor the Union of Romanians(AUR). Sibiu was declared the European Capital of Culture of 2007, along with Luxembourg (the bearer of the distinction in 1995). He has a younger sister, Krista Johannis (born 1963). Iohannis established contacts with foreign officials and investors. [105] His reaction was praised by international media, including The Washington Post,[106][107] while religious and conservative organizations in Romania have criticized his position on LGBT rights. Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Pter Szijjrt described the statements of Iohannis as "particularly uncivilized and suitable for inciting hatred" and asked the Romanian president to show "more respect to Hungarians".

[33] Geoan and PSD leadership has held a second meeting with Iohannis in Bucharest in the evening of 18 October. The far-right AUR standsto be a big beneficiaryfrom disenchantmentwiththe new coalition.

[48] Regarding the judicial system, Klaus Iohannis pleads for a sustained fight against corruption.

Ce i-a propus lui Obama", "Romanian President pledges solidarity with Israel against terrorism, anti-Semitism", "GALERIE FOTO. Government critics and NGOsare particularlyexercisedbythe coalitions appointment ofLaura Vicol, alawyerand Social Democratic MP, to head parliaments justice committee. Secretele neamului care vrea s fie preedintele Romniei", "Klaus Iohannis un portret inedit. He does not resemble the politician he was during his first term, saidCristian Prvulescu, a political scientist and dean at the National School of Political Studies and Public Administration in Bucharest. Polands top judge inflames with rulings and political ties.

FDGR/DFDR) consistently allied itself with, and Iohannis campaigned in the prior European Parliament elections for, the National Liberal Party (PNL). Coming from outside the national-level politics of Romania, Iohannis had an image of an independent politician,[26] although his party (i.e.

Subsequently, the National Liberal Party (PNL), the Social Democratic Party (PSD), the Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania (UDMR), and the group of small ethnic minorities in the Parliament subsumed Iohannis as their common candidate for Prime Minister of an interim government. However, on 15 October President Traian Bsescu nominated Lucian Croitoru, a top Romanian economist, as Prime Minister, and charged the latter with forming the country's next government. [81][82], In March 2017, a sub-group of the ethnically Hungarian Szkely community in southeastern Transylvania launched a petition demanding autonomy for their region, arguing for political and administrative self-rule, their own elected president and flag, as well as the recognition of Hungarian as an official language next to Romanian. Many Germans left the city after World War II, and especially in 1990, within months of the fall of the Iron Curtain.

Evangelical Church of Augustan Confession in Romania, Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania, unification of the Republic of Moldova with Romania, the country's intervention in the east of Ukraine, List of international trips made by Klaus Iohannis, 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly, National Council for Combating Discrimination, recognition of same-sex unions in Romania, initiative to amend Article 48 of the Constitution, Order of Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria, Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, Order of the Gold Lion of the House of Nassau, Order of Merit of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, "Iohannis: Mi-am anunat demisia din PNL. [11] Iohannis has stated that his family settled in Transylvania in present-day Romania 850 years ago. Iohannis is also a member of the Evangelical Church of Augustan Confession in Romania, the German-speaking Lutheran church in Transylvania.[17]. Many Romanians also remember that the country experienced some of its best moments under German kings over a century ago. [27] On 14 October, Iohannis confirmed acceptance of his candidacy. [90], The president's speech was met with widespread criticism. [112][113] On the same note, Iohannis stated that union with Moldova is "a less serious approach" in the context of the Transnistria conflict, of differences between Romania and Moldova regarding economic stability and fighting corruption, and can be discussed when things are stable in both countries. But Romanianpro-democracyactivists, anti-corruption campaigners, academics and others who once sawIohannisas a symbol of hope have turned on himover the new government, composed ofthetwo biggest parties in parliament, the Social Democrats(PSD)and National Liberals(PNL).

Just a couple of months ago,Iohannisreceivedthe prestigious Charlemagne prize, awardedin the German city of Aachen forexceptionalservicetoEuropean unity anhonorpreviously bestowed uponhistoric figuresincludingWinston Churchill, VaclavHaveland Pope John Paul II.

De la CV, la ct poart la pantofi", "Grim Romanians Brighten Over a German Connection", "Klaus Iohannis explic DE CE NU a emigrat n Germania", "Rumnische Prsidentschaftswahl: Freude bei den Eltern des Siegers in Wrzburg Unterfranken Nachrichten", "Rdcinile strine ale candidailor la Preedinie", "Romanian presidential candidate Klaus Iohannis a pragmatic go-getter", "Klaus Johannis spune c a votat pentru normalitate", "Rumniens President: Klaus Johannis gewinnt Wahl, Ponta gratuliert", "Alegeri locale 2000: Voturi pe localitatea Municipiul Sibiu", "Luxembourg and Sibiu: 2007 European Capitals of Culture", "Sibiu Hermannstadt: European Capital of Culture 2007", "Klaus Johannis, nominalizat la seciunea "Personalitatea anului pentru o Romnie european", "Democratic Liberals submit their own nomination for prime minister. He joined the Democratic Forum of Germans in Romania (FDGR/DFDR) in 1990, and served as a member of its board of education in Transylvania from 1997, and a member of the local party board in Sibiu from 1998. [126] Iohannis has also been criticized given the fact that during the two ruling years of the PSD-ALDE coalition (more specifically between 2017 and 2019), he sharply criticized the PSD. [99][100], In terms of LGBT rights and recognition of same-sex unions in Romania, Iohannis has not stated clearly his opinion:[101]. The party has its sights set on big gains in the next parliamentary election, scheduled for 2024. The EU should follow the justice situation in Romania closely, he said. AseniorPNLlegislator, speaking on condition of anonymity,saidthatitresulted in a big loss of credibility for our party and for President Iohannis.. [122] This happened on 25 November 2021, when the National Coalition for Romania was founded and the Ciuc Cabinet was sworn in. Latest news, analysis and comment from POLITICOs editors and guest writers on the continent.

Iohannis is also widely credited with turning the city into one of Romania's most popular tourist destinations thanks to the extensive renovation of the old downtown. AURis also appealing to anti-vaxxers. Latest news, analysis and comment on defense in Europe and beyond. Simionlikened the ruling coalitiontothe old Communist party. Barbu Mateescu, a sociologist who studies elections, said that the Romanian public is losing faith in career politicians because there are no political values that the current coalition relies on..

[23] Luxembourg chose to share this honourable status with Sibiu due to the fact that many of the Transylvanian Saxons emigrated in the 12th century to Transylvania from the area where Luxembourg is today. The original spelling of his name (which is German) is Johannis, but the name was registered by a Romanian official as Iohannis on his birth certificate[13] and he has used both spellings interchangeably. Iohannis is fluent in German and Romanian languages at a native level and also speaks English. [51][52], Since coming into office, President Klaus Iohannis has made a habit to hold consultations with parliamentary parties. Cristian Ghinea,the former ministerfrom the USR party,called Vicols nomination shameful..

Itwas polling at just under 8 percent when it burst onto the scene two years ago; POLITICOs Poll of Polls now has it at 14 percent, in third place behind the Social Democrats and Liberals. Ce a discutat cu presedintele Komorowski despre Ucraina, NATO si R. Moldova", "FILMUL celor TREI ZILE petrecute de Klaus Iohannis n Italia. [47] Relations with Parliament went similarly. Iohannis is the first Romanian president to come from an ethnic minority, as he is a Transylvanian Saxon, part of Romania's German minority, which settled in Transylvania beginning in the 12th century. Iohannis was elected the mayor of the city of Sibiu (German: Hermannstadt) in 2000, representing the Democratic Forum of Germans in Romania. [21] Since 2004, during his second and third terms, his own party, FDGR, had the majority. [127][128] Some public figures in Romania, who in the past expressed their support for Klaus Iohannis, have criticized him for his double standard and lack of proper governance. Latest news, analysis and comment on the French election in 2022 and beyond.

I would like you to know that I have not rejected the possibility for him to become Prime Minister in the condition that my options would be directed towards other [national unity government] solutions.