Romania appoints Predoiu interim premier after Ciolacu's resignation

Catalin Predoiu has been appointed as Romania's interim prime minister following the resignation of Marcel Ciolacu, intensifying political instability. Ciolacu resigned after a far-right candidate, George Simion, secured over 40% of the vote in the first round of the presidential election rerun. The ruling coalition's candidate narrowly missed the second spot. The political shift occurs just before the presidential runoff on May 18, in the EU and NATO member, which has gained strategic importance since the war in Ukraine.