Ciolacu Leads Romania Presidential Race Ahead of Runoff

Ireland's Fine Gael party maintained a 25% support rate in a recent poll, leading ahead of Sinn Fein and coalition partner Fianna Fail, both at 19%, following Prime Minister Simon Harris's election call for later this month. In Romania, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu is favored to win the presidential election with 25.3% support against far-right leader George Simion at 19.1%, according to a recent INSCOP poll. The election's outcome will significantly influence Romania's foreign policy towards Ukraine, with Ciolacu advocating for EU and NATO membership for Ukraine, while Simion opposes military aid. A parliamentary election is scheduled between the presidential election rounds, adding complexity to the political landscape. The runoff is set for December 8, with Ciolacu likely to face Simion again, marking a crucial moment for Romania's political future. Analysts note that fragmented support among center-right candidates could benefit Ciolacu in the second round.