Social Democrat Marcel Ciolacu and centre-right Elena Lasconi headed for December 8 run-off, exit poll suggests.

Romania, which shares a 650-kilometer (400-mile) border with Ukraine, has gained strategic importance since Russia invaded its neighbour in 2022. Despite his growing domestic support, Simion’s rhetoric is reason for alarm for Nato allies.

Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, of the Social Democratic Party is leading centre-right opposition leader Elena Lasconi in the first round of the presidential election according to exit polls.