Romanian election drama: Prime minister leads as hard-right threatens surprise
First-round voting in Romania shows Prime Minister leading with unexpected competition from hard-right candidates. Final outcome remains unclear as overseas votes could change runner-up position
In this years November voting Marcel Ciolacu leads Romaniaʼs presidential race with one-fourth of total votes‚ but the runner-up spot remains un-clear. The prime-ministers position might face serious challenge from hard-right opponents (who show stronger-than-expected results)
The exit-polls show center-right candidate Elena Lasconi getting about 18 percent while hard-right politicians Calin Georgescu and George Simion follow close with 16 and 15 percent. However overseas voters preferences - which arent included in current numbers could shift the balance towards Simion who has anti-Ukraine views
The next Romanian president will manage defense-spending decisions at a time when the country needs to deal with NATO requirements and budget issues. Lasconi who became the Save Romania Union leader earlier this year supports increasing military expenses: however if she dont make it to december 8th run-off her supporters might back Ciolacu to block hard-right candidates
Let us wait until tomorrows results to rejoice
The campaign focused on day-to-day problems as Romania has highest poverty risk in EU. With 64 percent of ballots counted by late evening the final first-round outcome remains un-certain
