Chaos in Romania: Court stops presidential race over foreign meddling claims

Romanias highest court made an un-precedented decision to cancel the presidential election process (which had already seen more than half of voters cast their ballots in round one). The court cited cyber-security threats and social-media manipulation from foreign actors

The first-round leader Calin Georgescu – who got un-expected high numbers despite polling low earlier; now faces investigation by anti-crime units. His opponent Elena Lasconi who supports EU integration strongly disagrees with the ruling:

The constitutional courts decision is illegal amoral and crushes the very essence of democracy

Security experts found troubling evidence of foreign interference including:

• Over 85000 cyber-attacks on election websites
• Large-scale social media influence campaigns
• Un-marked political content on TikTok
• Preferential treatment for specific candidates

The ruling Social Democrat leader Marcel Ciolacu backed the courts choice – but many law-makers see it as over-reach. With current president leaving office in mid-december; the country faces un-certainty about its leadership

In other global news the EU and Mercosur finally reached a huge trade deal after 25-years of talks. The agreement will create a market of 700-million people; however it faces opposition from European farmers who worry about un-fair competition

South Koreas political scene got more complex when Han Dong-hoon the ruling party chief asked to limit President Yoon Suk-yeolʼs powers. This came after intel showed the president tried to arrest opponents during a short martial-law period

In Australia a melbourne synagogue suffered damage from suspected arson – adding to growing anti-jewish incidents since last year. Meanwhile France prepares to re-open Notre Dame cathedral this weekend after five-years of repairs