Romania's pro-European parties have pledged to form a coalition government, excluding hard-right groups, and may back a single candidate for the re-run presidential election after the vote was annulled, aiming to uphold reforms and tackle key challenges.
Romania's pro-European parties have made a clear commitment to establish a governing majority, effectively excluding the hard right, and may endorse a single candidate for the re-run of the annulled presidential election.
In the recent parliamentary election on Dec. 1, the ruling leftist Social Democrats secured the most seats. However, three ultranationalist and hard-right groups, some with overt pro-Russian leanings, also gained over a third of the seats.
The presidential election, held between the parliamentary ballot rounds, saw NATO-critic Calin Georgescu emerge unexpectedly as the frontrunner, raising concerns about potential Russian interference. Following this, the country's top court annulled the presidential vote on Friday, ruling that the process must be re-run.
The upcoming government in the European Union and NATO member state must now schedule a new presidential election, likely to take place in early 2025.
President Klaus Iohannis, who will remain in office until his successor is inaugurated, will appoint a prime minister. The current legislative term concludes on Dec. 21.
On Monday, the Social Democrats, their coalition partners, the centre-right Liberals, the opposition Save Romania Union, and the ethnic Hungarian party committed to forming a pro-European administration.
In a joint statement, the parties affirmed they would collaborate with national minorities to draft a governing programme focused on development and reforms aligned with the priorities of Romanian citizens.
Political analysts anticipate challenges in achieving consensus among the parties, which have often disagreed on key policies, particularly measures required to reduce Romania's budget deficit—the largest in the EU at 8% of GDP.
Tax increases, widely considered necessary by analysts, credit rating agencies, and the EU, may further undermine public support for the coalition.
The parties are also exploring the possibility of backing a single pro-European candidate for the presidential election to counter the growing popularity of ultranationalist groups.
Prosecutors are still investigating Georgescu’s campaign, leaving it uncertain whether he will be permitted to stand in the re-run election.
Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania, and Hungary will build a direct high-voltage submarine cable connecting the South Caucasus region with the European Union, with a purpose to strengthen national and regional energy security.
Thousands rallied in Bucharest, Romania, demanding the reinstatement of canceled elections after claims of Russian interference, as tensions rise over democracy and trust in state institutions.
Bulgaria and Romania officially join the Schengen Area, marking the end of years of negotiations and enabling borderless travel within the EU.
Romania's president to appoint Marcel Ciolacu as PM; new pro-European coalition to tackle budget deficit, tax hikes, and re-run elections after far-right meddling.
After more than a decade of waiting, Romania and Bulgaria will become full members of Europe’s Schengen free-travel area starting January 1, 2025, following Austria's decision to lift its veto.
Santa Clara, CA, February 17, 2025 – Nvidia founder and CEO Jensen Huang dismissed market concerns over DeepSeek’s recent release of its R1 open source reasoning model, arguing that the technological advancement will ultimately benefit the broader AI ecosystem rather than harm Nvidia’s business.
Google is expected to face charges from the European Commission for breaching rules designed to rein in the power of Big Tech, according to sources with direct knowledge of the matter.
Hamas has begun releasing hostages from Gaza on Saturday in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, as Israel confirmed that a body handed over earlier was that of hostage Shiri Bibas.
Peru - the roof of a food court collapsed, killing at least 3 people and injuring 74 others.
Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have reached a historic border agreement, potentially ending a century-long dispute. The deal, hailed as a breakthrough, covers delimitation, water, and infrastructure issues. If finalized, it could ease tensions and support political, economic, and social cooperation.
A tragic crowd crush at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday night left 18 dead and 10 injured as thousands of people, many heading to the Kumbh Mela festival, attempted to board delayed trains. The incident highlights the ongoing risks of overcrowding at public transportation hubs in India.
A Delta Air Lines regional jet flipped upside down upon landing at Toronto Pearson Airport on Monday, injuring 18 people. Officials are investigating whether strong winds and snow played a role in the incident.
Berlin, February 21, 2025 – German citizens will head to the polls on Sunday, February 23, for a snap general election after the coalition government collapsed late last year.
BERLIN, Feb 22 (Reuters) - NATO is planning to build a pipeline system from Germany to Poland and the Czech Republic to ensure a rapid supply of jet fuel for fighter aircraft in the event of a war with Russia, weekly German magazine Der Spiegel reported.
California Governor Gavin Newsom is asking Congress for nearly $40 billion in disaster funding to help Los Angeles recover and rebuild areas scorched by last month's devastating wildfires, the Washington Post reported on Friday citing a letter.
A second meeting between representatives of Russia and the United States is planned for the next two weeks, the RIA state news agency reported on Saturday, citing Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov.
Washington, D.C., February 21, 2025 – U.S. negotiators have reportedly raised the possibility of cutting Ukraine’s access to SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service unless Kyiv reaches an agreement to grant the United States greater access to its critical minerals.
Hamas has begun releasing hostages from Gaza on Saturday in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, as Israel confirmed that a body handed over earlier was that of hostage Shiri Bibas.
Santa Clara, CA, February 17, 2025 – Nvidia founder and CEO Jensen Huang dismissed market concerns over DeepSeek’s recent release of its R1 open source reasoning model, arguing that the technological advancement will ultimately benefit the broader AI ecosystem rather than harm Nvidia’s business.
Google is expected to face charges from the European Commission for breaching rules designed to rein in the power of Big Tech, according to sources with direct knowledge of the matter.
Hamas has begun releasing hostages from Gaza on Saturday in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, as Israel confirmed that a body handed over earlier was that of hostage Shiri Bibas.
Peru - the roof of a food court collapsed, killing at least 3 people and injuring 74 others.
Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have reached a historic border agreement, potentially ending a century-long dispute. The deal, hailed as a breakthrough, covers delimitation, water, and infrastructure issues. If finalized, it could ease tensions and support political, economic, and social cooperation.
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