Romanian Premier Ahead After Presidential Vote’s First Round

Prime minister is set to advance into runoff in two weeks
Pro-Trump ultra-nationalist Simion trails in early projections

Marcel Ciolacu casts a ballot at a polling station during in the first round of the presidential elections in Bucharest on Nov. 24.Photographer: Daniel Mihailescu/AFP/Getty Images

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By Andra Timu and Irina Vilcu

November 24, 2024 at 7:11 PM UTC

Updated on

November 24, 2024 at 8:23 PM UTC

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Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu was on course to win the first round of Romania’s presidential election and is likely to face anti-corruption party leader Elena Lasconi in a runoff in two weeks.

The Social Democratic leader took about 25% of the votes on Sunday and Lasconi came in second with 18%, according to exit polls by broadcasters Digi 24 and Antena 3.