Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu stepped down following a disappointing presidential election rerun, where far-right leader George Simion emerged victorious. His Social Democratic Party's exit from the pro-Western coalition raises alarms about Romania's political future and its standing in the EU. A crucial runoff is set for May 18, intensifying the stakes.

George Simion, a far-right nationalist, has surged to the forefront of Romania's political landscape, clinching 40% of the vote in the first round of the presidential rerun. As he prepares to face Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan in a decisive runoff on May 18, his win raises concerns about potential shifts in Romania's foreign policy and its relationship with the EU, especially following a previous election annulled over Russian interference.