Far right targets breakthrough in Romania presidential vote

Bucharest: Romanians voted Sunday in the first round of a presidential election amid a surge in inflation and fears over the war in neighbouring Ukrai...

Bucharest: Romanians voted Sunday in the first round of a presidential election amid a surge in inflation and fears over the war in neighbouring Ukraine that could favour far-right leader George Simion.

The vote kicks off two weeks of elections in the poor NATO member country, including a parliamentary vote and a December 8 presidential run-off.

Social democrat Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu is leading a field of 13 contenders in the race to take over from President Klaus Iohannis in the largely ceremonial post. Ciolacu has about 25 percent support in opinion polls, followed by AUR leader Simion on 15 to 19 percent.

Ciolacu, whose Social Democratic Party (PSD) has shaped the country's politics for more than three decades, promised stability and a "decent" standard of living as he voted Sunday.

Simion, 38, has seen his popularity surge by tapping into voter anger over record inflation -- 10% last year and 5.5% predicted for 2024 -- while promising more affordable housing.