Monday, 17 August 2026Europe · Analysis
Independent · Brussels & Berlin
Person
Far-right ultranationalist candidate, Independent
With parliament in deadlock and the president under pressure, the Alliance for the Union of Romanians leads polls at 36 percent while Brussels watches a NATO ally on Ukraine's border.
Tens of thousands gathered in Bucharest backing Călin Georgescu after Constitutional Court cancelled December vote citing Russian interference. Criminal probe launched against Georgescu as May rerun approaches.
US Vice President uses first overseas trip to condemn Digital Services Act and dismiss Russian election interference claims, while European Commission offers restrained defence of its regulatory framework.
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