The Speaker of the House of Representatives of the US Congress, John Boehner, to the surprise of his fellow Republicans, announced today that he is retiring from one of the most important positions in the US next month.
Boehner, although a staunch conservative by conviction, did not oppose the White House strongly enough to satisfy the most conservative members of the House of Representatives, who threatened to remove him.
At a closed session of the Republican caucus, Boehner announced his withdrawal from the post, which according to the US constitution is second in line to take over the office of the head of state if the president and vice president cannot fulfill it.
Boehner was constantly under pressure from the right wing of conservatives and faced a vote to remove him, which did not happen for more than 100 votes. This was requested by representatives of the Tea Party movement, who believe that Boehner did not strongly oppose certain provisions of the law related to abortion.
It is not yet known who will succeed Boehner, although the most obvious candidate is Republican Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy of California. There is a possibility that the Republicans will be divided on the issue and that the followers of the Tea Party will nominate their own candidate.
Some conservatives welcomed Boehner's announcement, although moderate conservatives expressed disappointment, and his speech to the caucus was met with loud applause.
Democratic Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, who is friendly with Boehner, said his resignation was an "earthquake."
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