Romanian President Klaus Iohannis resigns after pressure by populists

Mr Iohannis has served as president since 2014 (AP)

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.