Romanian PM resigns after re-run of presidential election

Ciolacu, a Social Democrat, told reporters he was quitting as his government’s candidate, Crin Antonescu, failed to advance to the run-off vote on May 18.

That run-off will see far-right front runner George Simion face conservative liberal Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan.

With Ciolacu’s resignation, the coalition of Ciolacu’s Social Democrats, the centre-right National Liberal Party (PNL) and the UDMR/RMDSZ party representing the country’s Hungarian minority has effectively collapsed.

Who will succeed Ciolacu as prime minister was initially unclear.

The Social Democratic ministers will remain in office for the time being, however.