Overview

• Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu resigned on May 6 after his coalition's candidate failed to advance in the presidential election rerun, leading to the collapse of the pro-Western government.
• Catalin Predoiu, a former justice minister and current interior minister, has been appointed as interim prime minister with limited powers for up to 45 days.
• Far-right nationalist George Simion, who secured 41% of votes in the first round, will face pro-EU reformist Nicușor Dan in the May 18 presidential runoff.
• Simion's campaign emphasizes nationalism, reduced taxation, and public-sector downsizing, while his critics warn of potential isolation from the EU and NATO under his leadership.
• Romania's political and economic uncertainty has intensified, with the leu currency weakening and concerns over the country's large budget deficit growing.