Rising living costs boost support for radical right leader in Romanian presidential election
Romanians are voting in the first round of a presidential election on Sunday, with rising living costs boosting support for radical right leader George Simion. He opposes military aid to Ukraine and presents himself as an outsider. Opinion polls suggest leftist Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu will advance to the run-off on December 8, likely facing Simion. Analysts believe Ciolacu's experience may give him an edge, but Simion's appeal to discontented voters could lead to an upset. The election comes amid economic challenges and a need for fiscal correction. Candidates are focusing on conservative values, with Simion criticizing the current government for prioritizing foreign interests over domestic issues.