Romania's Social Democrats Lead Amid Far-Right Gains and Russian Interference Claims

Romanians are voting in a parliamentary election amid allegations of Russian interference in the recent presidential race, where far-right populist Calin Georgescu unexpectedly led the first round. His rise, attributed to TikTok popularity, has sparked protests and concerns about a shift towards populism. The election will determine the new government and prime minister, with major parties like the Social Democratic Party and National Liberal Party facing challenges from far-right and anti-establishment parties. Observers worry about potential instability and the influence of Russian actions.