Presidential Election in Romania

Right-wing nationalist wins easy victory in Romanian election

Right-wing nationalist George Simion wins a comfortable victory in the first round of the Romanian presidential election, with 40.5 percent of the vote. This is clear after more than 99 percent of the votes were counted, writes AP.

The centrist candidate Nicusor Dan came in a surprising second place. However, the liberal politician was far behind and received just over 20 percent of the vote. They will meet in the second round of the election on May 18.

In November, the presidential election was annulled after allegations of Russian interference in favor of the pro-Russian right-wing populist Calin Georgescu. He was banned from participating in today's election.

- I am here to restore constitutional order, says Simion after the election.

Simion is against military support for Ukraine, critical of EU leadership and identifies with Donald Trump's "make America great again" movement, writes Reuters.

Prime minister resigns after first round

Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu is resigning after the ruling coalition's candidate lost in the first round of the presidential election, reports the AP.

Crin Antonescu came third and is therefore not eligible for the next round.

"Rather than let the future president replace me, I chose to resign," Ciolacu said.

Right-wing nationalist and EU critic George Simion won the first round with 40.5 percent of the vote, while centrist candidate Nicusor Dan came in second with about 20 percent. The next round of the election will be held on May 18.