Romania, which shares a 650-kilometer (400-mile) border with Ukraine, has gained strategic importance since Russia invaded its neighbour in 2022. Despite his growing domestic support, Simion’s rhetoric is reason for alarm for Nato allies.

BUCHAREST (Reuters) - Romanians vote on Sunday in the first round of a presidential election that may give a shot at victory to hard-right politician George Simion, who opposes military aid to Ukraine, admires Donald Trump and wants to emulate Giorgia Meloni's Italy.

High cost of living and the war in Ukraine were top of voters’ minds, issues that may boost the victory chances of hard-right leader George Simion.

Electoral data shows that a far-right populist has taken the lead in Romania’s presidential election and will likely face leftist Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu in a runoff in two weeks.

Romania on Friday began recounting the votes from last week's dramatic first-round presidential election, amid concerns the ballot might be annulled as authorities pointed to Russia's influence and al

The surprise far-right winner of the first round of Romania's presidential election has denied he wants to leave NATO and the European Union, appearing to roll back some of his positions amid protests over his victory.

Most polls predicted Calin Georgescu to win less than 10% of the vote in the first round of Romania’s presidential election.

On Thursday, the Romanian Constitutional Court ordered a recount of the votes from the first round of the presidential election. Calin Georgescu, a far-right candidate, took first place. The Romanian Constitutional Court decided on Thursday that a recount of the votes cast in the first round of the presidential election,