BUCHAREST, Romania, Dec. 21 (UPI) -- Klaus Iohannis was sworn in as president of Romania Sunday, making him the first president from the country's ethnic German minority.
His speech covered his goals for the country including reforms in the education and health system.
"I thank you, all my fellow countrymen, for showing the whole world Romania's true face. 25 years after the fall of communism you made democracy and participation triumph. I am profoundly moved by the love of country which stood behind the elections turnout, by Romanians' aspiration to freedom and prosperity," said Iohannis.
Iohannis was elected after rallying the support from civic groups who were fed up with corruption in the Romanian government -- a tradition Iohannis vowed to end.
Iohannis defeated Prime Minister Victor Ponta in a runoff election with 54.5 percent of the vote.
Iohannis was the National Liberal Party candidate and former mayor of Sibiu.
