Romania's top court cancels first round of presidential election won by far-right candidate

Romania's Constitutional Court has annulled the first round of the presidential election, which was won by far-right candidate Calin Georgescu. This decision follows allegations of a Russian online campaign to boost his candidacy, revealed by declassified intelligence. The court's ruling is final and requires a new election date to be set. The annulment halted voting for the runoff, which had already begun for Romanians abroad. Reformist candidate Elena Lasconi criticized the decision, claiming it undermines democracy. Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu supported the annulment, stating it was necessary due to the alleged Russian interference. The court had previously ordered a recount of the votes, adding to the election's controversies.