Thousands rally in Bucharest for pro-European candidate ahead of Romania's presidential runoff
Thousands gathered in Bucharest on Thursday to support pro-European candidate Elena Lasconi ahead of Romania's presidential runoff on December 8. The election pits Lasconi against far-right candidate Calin Georgescu, who has been criticized for his pro-Russian stance. The rally featured Romanian artists and activists urging voters to maintain Romania's ties with the EU and NATO. Recent polls show Lasconi slightly leading Georgescu, amid concerns over Russian interference in the election. Romanian prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into Georgescu for suspected money laundering. Declassified documents revealed coordinated social media promotion of his campaign, raising alarms about foreign influence in the election.