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%.

Addressing reporters at his party’s headquarters on Monday, Ciolacu acknowledged that “our coalition has failed to meet its stated objective.” 

“I saw the vote cast by Romanians yesterday, and it shows that the coalition, at least in its current form, lacks legitimacy. That is why I have decided that we must leave the coalition, and accordingly, I am submitting my resignation,” the official stated.

The PSD party will also abstain from backing either candidate in the second round of the presidential election slated for May 18. Antonescu, who had been supported by the ruling big tent coalition, comprised of the Social Democrats, the liberal PNL party and the Hungarian minority party UDMR/RMDSZ, failed to secure a place on the run-off ballot.

The “stated objective” Ciolacu referenced likely refers to the coalition’s 2024 campaign promises of stability and pro-EU continuity.