Keystone-SDA
Pro-European Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu came first in the first round of the presidential election in Romania on Sunday. This is shown by two exit polls, which place his rivals neck and neck.
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November 24, 2024 – 8.49pm
(Keystone-ATS) When the polls closed at 9:00 p.m. (8:00 p.m. in Switzerland), the head of the social-democratic government was credited with 25% of the votes, ahead of Elena Lasconi (18%), center-right mayor of a small town and two candidates from extreme right (15 to 16% each).
Mr. Ciolacu, 56, thanked his voters for giving him this first place, a result “crystal clear”, while calling for waiting for the full count to know who he will face on December 8. Ms. Lasconi, a 52-year-old former journalist converted to politics, also called for caution. “The scores are very close, it’s not time to celebrate yet,” she said.
Thunderclap
On the far right, the leader of the AUR (Alliance for the Unity of Romanians) party George Simion, 38, who was predicted to be in second position, is currently fourth, just behind Calin Georgescu, a pro-Russian candidate. 62-year-old who created a surprise.
Mr. Simion did not admit defeat. “We will see the results of the polls at 11 p.m.” (10 p.m. in Switzerland), he declared, promising “two more battles”, during the legislative elections on December 1 and a week later for the second round of the presidential election.
A qualification from the far right would be a thunderclap in this loyal EU and NATO member state of 19 million inhabitants which has until now resisted nationalist postures, distinguishing itself from Hungary or the Slovakia.
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