Bucharest, Romania – Romania is navigating a period of political uncertainty following the resignation of Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu. Catalin Predoiu, the liberal interior minister, has been appointed as interim premier, according to an proclamation from the presidency. This transition comes a day after Mr. Ciolacu’s departure,which has intensified the political instability within the European Union nation.

The Resignation and Its Context

Mr. Ciolacu,a pro-EU leader,stepped down after a far-right candidate,George Simion,gained the most votes in the first round of a tense presidential vote rerun.This outcome has raised concerns both domestically and internationally,notably in Brussels and Washington.

The Rise of the Far-Right

Mr.simion, a vocal critic of the EU, leads the nationalist AUR party. His strong showing in the first round underscores a shift in the political landscape. He secured almost 41% of the votes, doubling the score of his pro-EU rival, Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan, who ran as an self-reliant.

The Interim Government

Mr. Ciolacu’s resignation occurred just two weeks before the presidential vote runoff, scheduled for May 18. Despite his resignation, Mr. Ciolacu indicated that his Social democrats (PSD) party would remain in the ruling coalition on an interim basis until after the election.

Mr. Ciolacu said his Social democrats (PSD) party would leave the ruling coalition but they are expected to remain in the government on an interim basis until after the election run-off.

Meet the Interim Premier

Mr. Predoiu, 56, brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously served as justice minister and interim premier in 2012. A former lawyer, he also currently serves as the interim president of the liberals (PNL).

As long as these mandates are in office, the PNL does its duty.

Catalin Predoiu, interim Premier of Romania

He assured reporters that the liberals would continue to fulfill their duties during this transitional period.

The Stakes of the Election

A victory for Mr. Simion in the second round could signal a significant change in Romania’s foreign policy.his campaign is built on a platform of prioritizing Romania’s interests and challenging the influence of “Brussels’ unelected bureaucrats.”

Campaigning on a vow to put romania first, Mr Simion, a fan of US President Donald Trump, has criticised “Brussels’ unelected bureaucrats”, accusing them of having meddled in the Romanian elections.

His admiration for former U.S. President Donald Trump and his criticisms of the EU align with a broader trend of nationalist sentiment in Europe.

The Controversial First Attempt

The current election is a rerun due to a controversial decision by Romania’s constitutional court in December. The court annulled the original presidential ballot after far-right politician Calin Georgescu unexpectedly won the first round. Allegations of Russian interference and a significant TikTok campaign supporting Mr. Georgescu preceded the annulment.

The annulment followed allegations of Russian interference and a massive TikTok campaign that emerged in favour of mr Georgescu.

Mr. Simion has denounced the annulment as a coup d’etat. Although Mr. Georgescu was barred from participating in the rerun, two major far-right parties have thrown their support behind Mr. Simion.

Strategic Importance

Romania’s strategic importance has grown since russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as it shares a border with the war-torn nation and is a member of both the EU and NATO.

Further Reading

For deeper analysis, read: Is Romania’s far-right party leader set to be president?