Romania to hold right-wing run-off in presidential election after PM's defeat

Romania's presidential election will have a run-off between two right-wing candidates after Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu finished third. Calin Georgescu, a hard-right candidate, led the first round with 22.9% of the vote, while center-right Elena Lasconi followed with 19.16%. Ciolacu, who was expected to perform better, was eliminated despite earlier polls suggesting he would secure around 25%. Georgescu's rise from 5% in pre-election polls to first place marks a significant shift in Romanian politics. The presidential role is mostly ceremonial but holds influence over defense spending. The winner will succeed Klaus Iohannis, who has supported Ukraine since the Russian invasion.