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.
Romania's outgoing president Klaus Iohannis designated leftist Social Democrat Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu to form a new government on Monday after three pro-European parties agreed details of a coalition that gave them a parliamentary majority.
The coalition government, which is expected to receive parliament's vote of confidence later on Monday includes Ciolacu's Social Democrats, centre-right Liberals and the ethnic Hungarian Party UDMR. Including minority representatives, the coalition controls about 54% of seats in the legislative.
Three consecutive ballots to elect a new president and parliament in the European Union and NATO state which shares the longest land border with Ukraine descended into chaos when a little-known far-right pro-Russian politician won the first presidential round on Nov. 24. Amid suspicions of Russian interference, the top court annulled the election.
The new government will need to approve a calendar for a new two-round presidential election. The three parties in the coalition agreed to back a single presidential candidate to prevent the far right from winning. Their candidate at the moment is Crin Antonescu, a former Liberal Party leader.
"I am aware it won't be an easy mandate, it is essential that this government regain investors' confidence," Ciolacu told reporters.
Romania's new cabinet will also have the daunting task of lowering the budget deficit from an expected 8.6% of economic output this year - the EU's largest - to around 7% in 2025 and ratings agencies and analysts expect tax hikes.
Thousands protested in Bucharest against the annulment of Romania’s presidential election and the ban on far-right frontrunner Calin Georgescu. With a new vote set for May, George Simion emerges as the hard-right's candidate, as tensions rise over Romania’s political future and EU ties.
A far-right candidate is projected to win the first round of Romania’s presidential election rerun in May, a survey shows. However, centrist Bucharest mayor Nicusor Dan is expected to prevail in the final round, keeping Romania on its pro-European course despite rising nationalist rhetoric.
Romanian far-right politician and Russian supporter Calin Georgescu has refrained from endorsing any other candidate after being definitively barred from standing in May’s presidential election rerun.
Supporters of far-right politician Calin Georgescu clashed with police outside the central election authority in Bucharest on Sunday following news that the electoral commission barred him from the re-run of the country's cancelled presidential election.
Donald Trump has signed an executive order to impose sweeping tariffs, declaring the start of a new “golden age” for American industry.
Inside Politics explored the impact of Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on UK exports. Analysts warned of serious economic consequences if Britain fails to act decisively.
Elon Musk is set to leave his government role in the coming months, with his tenure as a special government employee expected to end by May 30. President Trump praised Musk’s contributions, confirming his eventual return to the private sector amid ongoing federal downsizing efforts.
Much needed humanitarian support has started trickling into Myanmar after the Military government announced a temporary 20 day ceasefire on Tuesday.
A missile attack on Kryvyi Rih on 2 April has left several casualties and significant damage, with local authorities now investigating the cause and impact of the strike. The attack, which targeted a company in the city, has raised concerns about the ongoing security situation.
Aid groups in Myanmar’s worst-hit areas urgently need shelter, food, and water after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake killed over 2,700 people. Rescue efforts face challenges due to ongoing civil war, damaged infrastructure, and restricted aid access, with the toll expected to rise.
Russian forces carried out a drone attack on Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, late Wednesday, injuring at least twenty one people and causing structural damage, according to Ukrainian officials.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was banned from running for public office for five years after being convicted of embezzlement, ruling her out of the 2027 presidential race. She received a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and a €100,000 fine. Le Pen plans to appeal.
Apple marked its 49th anniversary by reaching a market capitalization of $3.3 trillion. Despite recent tech stock volatility, Apple's shares surged 28% in 2024.
The Armenian armed forces attempted three reconnaissance drone flights over Azerbaijan Army positions near Gerenzur, but all were successfully intercepted. Meanwhile, Armenian units repeatedly fired on Azerbaijani positions from multiple regions, escalating tensions in the area.
Donald Trump has signed an executive order to impose sweeping tariffs, declaring the start of a new “golden age” for American industry.
Inside Politics explored the impact of Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on UK exports. Analysts warned of serious economic consequences if Britain fails to act decisively.
Elon Musk is set to leave his government role in the coming months, with his tenure as a special government employee expected to end by May 30. President Trump praised Musk’s contributions, confirming his eventual return to the private sector amid ongoing federal downsizing efforts.
Much needed humanitarian support has started trickling into Myanmar after the Military government announced a temporary 20 day ceasefire on Tuesday.
A missile attack on Kryvyi Rih on 2 April has left several casualties and significant damage, with local authorities now investigating the cause and impact of the strike. The attack, which targeted a company in the city, has raised concerns about the ongoing security situation.
Donald Trump has signed an executive order to impose sweeping tariffs, declaring the start of a new “golden age” for American industry.
Inside Politics explored the impact of Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on UK exports. Analysts warned of serious economic consequences if Britain fails to act decisively.
Elon Musk is set to leave his government role in the coming months, with his tenure as a special government employee expected to end by May 30. President Trump praised Musk’s contributions, confirming his eventual return to the private sector amid ongoing federal downsizing efforts.
Much needed humanitarian support has started trickling into Myanmar after the Military government announced a temporary 20 day ceasefire on Tuesday.
A missile attack on Kryvyi Rih on 2 April has left several casualties and significant damage, with local authorities now investigating the cause and impact of the strike. The attack, which targeted a company in the city, has raised concerns about the ongoing security situation.
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