Thousands rallied in Bucharest and other Romanian cities on Friday in support of the European Union. The demonstrations occurred one week before a presidential election run-off. The election could see a hard-right eurosceptic, George Simion, potentially gain power.
Simion opposes military aid to Ukraine and is critical of the EU leadership. He is aligned with Donald Trump's Make America Great Again movement. Analysts suggest a Simion victory could isolate Romania and destabilize NATO's eastern flank.
Protesters waved EU and Romanian flags, chanting slogans against Russian influence. The interim President Ilie Bolojan highlighted Romania's EU membership benefits. These benefits included greater opportunities and better infrastructure.