Elena Lasconi, one of the two candidates in the Romanian presidential election, called for support for her candidacy to prevent Romania from returning to Russian influence. Source: Elena Lasconi in her first public speech after the first round of elections,

A far-right, pro-Russia candidate is set for a shock victory in the first round of Romania's presidential election, with preliminary results leaving the prime minister, his main pro-Europe rival, out of the race.

Romania's political landscape is reeling after a little-known, far-right populist secured the first round in the presidential election, going from an obscure candidate to beating the incumbent prime minister.

A far-right and little-known NATO critic has won the first round of Romania's presidential election after polls predicted he would win less than 10% of the vote.