On November 24, Romanians began voting in the first round of the presidential election, opening up a chance of victory for far-right politician George Simion - who opposes military aid to Ukraine, admires US President-elect Donald Trump and wants to follow the example of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Italy.
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| Far-right politician George Simion - who opposes military aid to Ukraine, admires US President-elect Donald Trump. (Source: Shutterstock) |
Voting begins at 05:00 GMT and ends at 19:00 GMT, with results immediately available. The second round is scheduled for December 8, while parliamentary elections are also scheduled for December 1.
Voting by Romanians abroad, which could influence the outcome and where Mr Simion is supported, began on November 22. Mr Simion voted in Rome.
Opinion polls show that left-wing Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, 56, leader of Romania's largest party, the Social Democrats, will enter the second round of the election alongside Mr Simion, 38, of the Romanian Unity Alliance.
Meanwhile, incumbent two-term President Klaus Iohannis, 65, has cemented Romania's strong pro-Western stance but has been criticized for not doing enough to fight corruption.
Analysts predict Mr Ciolacu will win the second round against Mr Simion, appealing to moderate voters and highlighting his experience governing Romania during the war in neighboring Ukraine. However, they do not rule out the possibility of a change due to popular discontent with the high cost of living.
Source: https://baoquocte.vn/romania-bat-dau-bo-phieu-bau-cu-tong-thong-chinh-tri-gia-ung-ho-ong-trump-nhieu-co-hoi-gianh-chien-thang-294927.html
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