After a far-right pro-Russia candidate secured a surprise lead in Romania's presidential election Monday, the eastern European NATO member is bracing for a high-stakes parliamentary vote on Sunday, amid fears it could bring about a strategic shift in the country. Calin Georgescu was in pole position with almost 23 percent after the first round of voting, a political earthquake in the country of 19 million people that has so far resisted nationalist appeals that have gained traction in Hungary and Slovakia. His victory ahead of centre-right mayor Elena Lasconi -- who scored 19.18 percent -- ended the hopes of Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu to compete for the presidency in the December runoff. After coming third at 19.15, Ciolacu said his Social Democratic Party (PSD) won't challenge the narrow result, and announced his resignation as party leader. Experts say the far right's surprise success could affect the parliamentary elections later this week, and even influence the chances of forming a future government. In the runoff ballot on December 8, Lasconi will face Georgescu, a NATO critic who in the past expressed his admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin. Georgescu's popularity surged ahead of the vote with a viral TikTok campaign calling for an end to aid for Ukraine, which shares a 650-kilometre (400-mile) border with Romania. In a first reaction on his YouTube channel, the 62-year-old independent candidate insisted "there is no East or West", stressing that neutrality was "absolutely necessary". "I am not an extremist, I am not a fascist -- I am a Romanian who loves his country," he said in reference to media reports that "tried to portray" him in a wrongful way. For his rival Lasconi, the upcoming runoff represents "an existential battle", "a historic confrontation" between those who wish to "preserve Romania's young democracy" and those who want to "return to the Russian sphere of influence". "We must not allow anger to throw us back into the past," she said to thunderous applause from her supporters, vowing to stand up for Europe and NATO. The political earthquake comes amid soaring inflation and mounting fears of Romania being potentially dragged into Russia's war in neighbouring Ukraine, as the country has emerged as a key player on the alliance's eastern flank. More from this section In Sunday's vote, another far-right contender, AUR party leader George Simion, secured nearly 14 percent. Already pounding the campaign trail for this week's parliamentary elections, Simion said Romania now has "the chance to have a sovereign government and a sovereign president". Overall, the far right won more than a third of all votes in Sunday's presidential ballot. "The far right is by far the big winner of this election," political scientist Cristian Pirvulescu told AFP, predicting a possible "contagion effect" in the parliamentary vote. Extremist forces and Lasconi's centre-right party now have "wind in their sails", sociologist Gelu Duminica said, though "it remains to be seen if they know how to capitalise" on it. The PSD, which has shaped the country's politics for more than three decades, has never before been eliminated in the first round of a presidential election. The National Liberal Party (PNL) party, with whom the PSD currently governs, also suffered a defeat. While many expressed their disbelief over the poll in the streets of the capital Bucharest, others were enthused. Maria Chis, 70, said she was surprised by Georgescu's lead in the first round but had been impressed after watching his TikTok videos. "He seems a man of integrity, serious and patriotic. He inspires seriousness. I think only someone like him can bring change," said the pensioner, who was planning to vote for him in the second round. Alex Tudose, the owner of a construction company, was gloomy. "There is sorrow, disappointment, that after so many years in Euro-Atlantic structures we voted for a pro-Russian by over 20 percent," the 42-year-old said. "There is clearly a strong fragmentation both in society and in the political class, and I think we saw that yesterday," he said. ani-anb-kym/sbkSo gather your friends, sharpen your survival skills, and embark on an epic journey into the post-apocalyptic world of "Eternal Sky." The multiplayer version is now available on Steam, and the wasteland awaits your presence. Will you survive the harsh realities of this unforgiving world, or will you become another casualty of the Eternal Sky? The choice is yours. Venture forth and carve out your own path in this brutal and beautiful world.As the "Rail + Land" demonstration line gets underway, stakeholders from government, business, and community sectors are working together to ensure the success of the project. Through comprehensive planning, stakeholder engagement, and strategic investment, Beijing is laying the foundation for a more connected, vibrant, and resilient urban sub-center.
Spl session at Rising Rajasthan Summit discusses sustainable mining methodsAs Li Yunrui stands before us, his silhouette a masterpiece of athleticism and grace, it is impossible not to be awestruck by his beauty. His confident stance and effortless poise speak volumes about his self-assurance and inner strength. With every movement, he commands attention, a magnetic presence that draws all eyes towards him.
California vows to step in if Trump kills US EV tax credit
Title: Wright: Chelsea's Attack is Too Good, Ramsdale is Their Perfect Goalkeeper Choice
Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk caused uproar after backing Germany's far-right party in a major newspaper ahead of key parliamentary elections in the Western European country, leading to the resignation of the paper's opinion editor in protest. Germany is to vote in an early election on Feb. 23 after Chancellor Olaf Scholz's three-party governing coalition collapsed last month in a dispute over how to revitalize the country's stagnant economy. Musk's guest opinion piece for Welt am Sonntag —a sister publication of POLITICO owned by the Axel Springer Group — published in German over the weekend, was the second time this month he supported the Alternative for Germany, or AfD. "The Alternative for Germany (AfD) is the last spark of hope for this country," Musk wrote in his translated commentary. He went on to say the far-right party "can lead the country into a future where economic prosperity, cultural integrity and technological innovation are not just wishes, but reality." Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Co-Chair of the newly announced Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), arrives on Capitol Hill on December 05, 2024 in Washington, D.C. Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images The Tesla Motors CEO also wrote that his investment in Germany gave him the right to comment on...
One of the key components of the "Green Pursuit Movement" is the promotion of hybrid office spaces as a sustainable solution for the future of work. By adopting a hybrid work model, companies can reduce their carbon footprint, lower operating costs, and provide employees with a healthier work-life balance. Remote work not only decreases the need for daily commuting but also allows companies to optimize their office spaces, leading to a more efficient use of resources and a smaller environmental impact.Elon Musk blasts Australia's planned ban on social media for children
The arrest of President Yoon has also raised concerns about the stability and credibility of South Korea's government. With the country already facing significant economic challenges and geopolitical tensions in the region, the political turmoil caused by the arrest of the president could further exacerbate existing problems and hinder efforts to address pressing issues.
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Supporters wave flags as Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris delivers remarks, conceding the election to Donald Trump, at Howard University on Nov 6. I do not claim to know a lot about American politics. For better or worse, my knowledge about the topic is restricted to the names of a few American politicians, how the Electoral College system works, and a handful of policies that lawmakers have tabled over the years. As such, I do not have a strongly informed opinion on the recent elections there, like many others do. However, I have observed that opinions on the matter have been extremely polarising. One’s choice of candidate is often framed as a moral choice. For this reason, debate on the matter often ends up being emotionally charged, leaving both sides feeling hurt and misunderstood. One of my American friends in Singapore commented that such conflicts permanently alter the complexion of relationships. This phenomenon is not unique to the US, and it is timely for us to look at Singaporeans’ tolerance towards diverse opinions. Are we intolerant towards different views? Edelman’s 2023 Trust Barometer Report revealed that 44 per cent of Singaporeans believed the lack of civility and mutual respect then was the worst they had ever seen. Fewer than one in three Singaporeans also said they would be willing to help someone in need if they strongly disagreed with that person. It would appear therefore that we are relatively intolerant. But does it have to be this way? It may be painful to realise that those we care about disagree with opinions we fervently hold on to. However, efforts to weave a stronger social fabric in Singapore begin with the individual. Could we consider seeking to understand differences in opinions and choose to remain civil despite these differences? Isaac Chan Jing-Xuan Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you. Read 3 articles and stand to win rewards Spin the wheel nowThe contrasting fortunes of Li Gangren and Mu Ani highlight the dynamic nature of football and the constantly evolving market values of players. While the young talent is on an upward trajectory, positioning himself as a future star of the game, the seasoned veteran is facing a downward trend, prompting speculation about a potential exit from the club.
South Korea's President Yoon Suk-yeol and seven others have been listed on the arrest list, marking a significant development in the country's political landscape. The decision to include such high-profile figures on the roster brings to light the growing scrutiny and accountability being demanded of public officials, regardless of their status or position.
One of the most glaring missteps by The Mail on Lera was their treatment of Tengah, a once-promising young talent. Rather than nurturing his growth and development, the publication chose to exploit his personal struggles for sensational headlines. This not only damaged Tengah's reputation but also highlighted the publication's lack of ethics and integrity.