Romanian Prime Minister Resigns After Election Setback

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu announced his resignation on Monday, following a disappointing outcome for the governing coalition in the presidential election rerun. The coalition’s candidate, Crin Antonescu, finished third in the first round of voting held on Sunday, falling short of advancing to the runoff.

Antonescu secured only a fraction of the votes, placing behind Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan and hard-right nationalist George Simion, who took first place decisively. Ciolacu’s resignation reflects the coalition’s struggles in maintaining public support amid growing criticism and political fragmentation.

In a statement to the media, Ciolacu expressed his commitment to the coalition’s original goals but acknowledged the need for new leadership to better represent the public’s will. The recent election outcomes have raised questions about the coalition’s effectiveness and direction in Romanian politics.

The governing coalition, which formed with high hopes for reform and progress, now faces the challenge of regrouping and reevaluating its approach. As the political landscape in Romania evolves, analysts will be watching closely to see how this leadership change might impact future elections and policies.