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.
Bulgaria and Romania officially join the Schengen Area, marking the end of years of negotiations and enabling borderless travel within the EU.
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.
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.
Austria has lifted its veto on Romania and Bulgaria’s full Schengen membership, paving the way for EU ministers to finalize their entry this week. This decision follows a significant reduction in illegal border crossings, a result of Austria's immigration demands.
Romania's top court annuls presidential election citing Russian meddling, prompting a re-run amid institutional chaos, cyberattack probes, and protests fears.
Stay updated with the top news for January 10th in our Morning Briefing.
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A Cessna CJ1+ aircraft (PR-GFS) crashed while landing at Gastão Madeira State Airport (UBT) in Ubatuba, Brazil, on 9 January 2025, amidst adverse weather. The crash, which claimed the pilot’s life and injured seven others, has raised concerns over private aviation safety in Brazil.
Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry is working with Eritrean authorities to secure the release of 18 Azerbaijani citizens detained after their vessels entered Eritrean waters on November 7, 2024, due to severe weather. The crew faces charges of unauthorized entry.
Stay updated with the top news for January 10th in our Morning Briefing.
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter was honored with a state funeral at Washington’s National Cathedral, where President Joe Biden and other dignitaries celebrated his legacy of character and service before his burial in Georgia.
The European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) has confirmed 2024 as the first full year in which global temperatures exceeded 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. The milestone, driven by human-caused climate change, signals a significant shift in global temperature trends.
A Cessna CJ1+ aircraft (PR-GFS) crashed while landing at Gastão Madeira State Airport (UBT) in Ubatuba, Brazil, on 9 January 2025, amidst adverse weather. The crash, which claimed the pilot’s life and injured seven others, has raised concerns over private aviation safety in Brazil.
Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has showcased advanced military capabilities during its “Great Prophet 19” drills, unveiling a new loitering munition, the "Rezvan" drone, and the “358 missile defence system” designed to protect strategic facilities like the Natanz nuclear plant.
Stay updated with the top news for January 10th in our Morning Briefing.
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter was honored with a state funeral at Washington’s National Cathedral, where President Joe Biden and other dignitaries celebrated his legacy of character and service before his burial in Georgia.
The European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) has confirmed 2024 as the first full year in which global temperatures exceeded 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. The milestone, driven by human-caused climate change, signals a significant shift in global temperature trends.
A Cessna CJ1+ aircraft (PR-GFS) crashed while landing at Gastão Madeira State Airport (UBT) in Ubatuba, Brazil, on 9 January 2025, amidst adverse weather. The crash, which claimed the pilot’s life and injured seven others, has raised concerns over private aviation safety in Brazil.
Pope Francis calls on wealthy nations at COP29 to address "ecological debt" by forgiving poor countries' debts, fostering justice and solidarity in climate action.
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