Romania Cancels Presidential Election Amid Protests

Romania is currently facing political unrest as far-right candidate Calin Georgescu and his supporters protest the annulment of the presidential elections by the Constitutional Court, which cited significant electoral irregularities and allegations of Russian interference. Georgescu, who led the first round of voting, has labeled the annulment a 'formalized coup d'état' and is contesting the court's decision. Protesters gathered outside polling stations, expressing their outrage and calling for the right to vote, with slogans like 'Down with dictatorship.' The court's ruling, which came just before the scheduled runoff election, has raised alarms about the state of democracy in Romania, prompting widespread protests not only domestically but also at Romanian embassies across Europe. The court's decision has opened the door for a complete rerun of the electoral process, further complicating the political landscape in a country bordering Ukraine amid ongoing tensions. President Klaus Iohannis emphasized the importance of upholding constitutional values during this turbulent moment for the nation.