Political Unrest Looms in Romania as Simion Declares No Tax Hikes

George Simion, the hard-right frontrunner for Romania's presidency, has unequivocally ruled out tax hikes, even as the nation grapples with the European Union's largest budget deficit. Simion's decisive win in the recent ballot led to the resignation of leftist Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu and the disintegration of the pro-Western coalition government.

Simion asserts that any tax increase would precipitate a recession, advocating instead for reduced taxation on minimum wages. He has proposed cutting 500,000 administrative public sector jobs, excluding essential roles like doctors, teachers, and soldiers. His statement comes amid market disruption, with the national currency, the leu, weakening and debt yields soaring.

The interim government remains powerless until Simion nominates a new prime minister amid a fragmented parliament where the far-right holds significant sway. Simion's nomination may include controversial far-right figure Calin Georgescu, previously banned from elections over alleged Russian interference, a claim denied by Moscow. Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan, facing Simion in a run-off, urged calm to prevent financial panic.

(With inputs from agencies.)