Romanian PM resigns after anti-EU nationalist’s win

Marcel Ciolacu has stepped down after a shock presidential rerun that saw right-wing firebrand George Simion take the lead in the first round

Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu has announced his resignation and the withdrawal of his Social Democratic Party (PSD) from the ruling coalition, effectively dismantling the country’s pro-EU leadership.

Ciolacu’s move follows the stunning success of George Simion, leader of the right-wing Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), in Sunday’s presidential election rerun. With over 95% of votes counted, Simion is projected to secure 40.52% of the vote, according to the news site G4 Media – well ahead of his pro-EU challengers, former Senator Crin Antonescu and Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan, who both hovered slightly above 20%.