Latest news with #Bucharest
Reuters
an hour ago
- Business
- Reuters
Centrist mayor Dan wins Romanian presidency over hard-right rival
Romania's centrist Bucharest mayor, Nicusor Dan, won the country's presidential election on Sunday in a shock upset over a hard-right, nationalist rival who had pledged to put Romania on a path inspired by U.S. President Donald Trump's politics. Ryan Chang has more.
Free Malaysia Today
17 hours ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Pro-EU centrist Dan sworn in as Romania president
Nicusor Dan has vowed to usher in a 'new chapter' in Romania. (AFP pic) BUCHAREST : Pro-European centrist Nicusor Dan was on Monday sworn in as Romania's president, having pledged to stand against 'isolationism and Russian influence'. A week ago, Dan won a tense election rerun, seen as key for the direction of the Nato and European Union country bordering war-torn Ukraine. Although EU critic and nationalist George Simion easily topped the first round of voting, Dan took victory in the second round run-off. The election came five months after Romania's constitutional court scrapped a presidential ballot over allegations of Russian interference and the massive social media promotion of the far-right frontrunner, who was not allowed to stand again. Dan, 55 and Bucharest mayor since 2020, took the oath of office in parliament. 'The Romanian state needs a fundamental change, within the rule of law, and I invite you to continue to be involved in order to put positive pressure on state institutions to reform,' Dan told the assembly after being sworn in. 'I call on political parties to act in the national interest,' he said. Lawmakers from Simion's far-right AUR party did not participate in the ceremony, saying it was 'legitimising a national treason'. Later on Monday, Dan is to meet interim president Ilie Bolojan – who has been tipped as a possible prime minister. Dan has vowed to usher in a 'new chapter' in Romania. He travelled to Warsaw on Sunday to support pro-EU mayor Rafal Trzaskowski, who hopes to emerge the winner of Sunday's race for the Polish presidency. 'We won the Romanian presidential elections. People rejected isolationism and Russian influence,' Dan told thousands of people at a really for Trzaskowski. 'We will resist' Tensions remained high in Romania, with authorities on alert after hundreds of TikTok users called for protests on Monday. 'We will resist!' Simion, 38, wrote on Facebook on Sunday, although he specified that he would not be protesting on Monday. Romania's constitutional court validated the election results on Thursday, after rejecting an appeal by Simion to annul the vote. Simion has repeatedly alleged that there was foreign interference in the vote, including by France, and electoral fraud, without giving any evidence. He condemned the court's decision as a 'coup d'etat'. Simion comfortably topped the first-round ballot on May 4, campaigning against what he called the EU's 'absurd policies' and vowing to cut aid to Ukraine. But, Dan won almost 54% of the run-off vote. Romania's president has significant sway in foreign policy – including representing the country at Nato and EU summits – and appoints key posts, such as the prime minister. Dan, a mathematics prodigy who has promised to fight corruption for an 'honest' Romania, has said he would speak to all four pro-Western parliamentary parties about 'not only the appointment of the prime minister but also the outline of the government's programme', including judicial reforms. Romania, a country of 19 million people, is struggling with high inflation. It is the EU's most indebted country. Dan, who is known for his reserved nature, has voiced support for Ukraine and vowed to keep Romania on its 'pro-Western' path.
Free Malaysia Today
17 hours ago
- General
- Free Malaysia Today
Romanian intelligence denies French spy chief's visit before election
Nationalist George Simion lost Romania's May 18 election run-off. (EPA Images pic) BUCHAREST : Romania's foreign intelligence service on Thursday denied that the French spy chief had visited the country before its presidential election run-off this month, as the Russian head of Telegram has claimed. Pavel Durov, the Telegram social network's CEO, has said that the head of France's foreign intelligence department, the DGSE, went to Bucharest a few days before the May 18 vote, and indicated that this was to influence the outcome of the run-off vote, ultimately won by centrist Nicusor Dan against a nationalist candidate. Romania's intelligence service, the SIE, made a rare public statement to deny that DGSE chief Nicolas Lerner had been in Bucharest before the election. 'To ensure that citizens are properly informed', said an SIE statement which named Lerner and mentioned reports of his alleged meetings in Bucharest, 'we clarify that such a visit did not take place'. Durov, who faces charges in France related to criminal activity on Telegram, has also said in social media messages and by video to a conference in Oslo that Lerner had requested he silence conservative Romanian commentators on the platform. The DGSE has denied those claims. The SIE statement said that the department's activities were 'apolitical' and 'clearly and transparently regulated by law'. The SIE 'will not give in to attempts at manipulation and disinformation in the public sphere, as insinuations of possible political involvement are unsubstantiated and intended to generate distrust of state institutions', it added. Nationalist George Simion, who lost the election run-off, went to Romania's constitutional court in a bid to get the result cancelled. He said there had been 'interference', including by France. The court rejected his appeal. The result of a first-round vote in November which another nationalist, Calin Georgescu, led, was cancelled because authorities ruled it had been influenced by Russian interference in the campaign. Georgescu was banned from taking part in the reorganised election won by Dan.
The Independent
a day ago
- Business
- The Independent
The best budget European city break destinations for 2025
With 44 countries to choose from, our European neighbours offer endless city break possibilities, from classic capitals to smaller, lesser-known destinations. And, in amongst sky-high prices in Swiss hotspots and the sparkling cities of the South of France, there are plenty of affordable options where accommodation, transport and activities don't have to cost an arm and a leg. As the UK tightens its collective belt on holiday spending, many travellers are looking to save on their next trip. Tourists after a quick escape from everyday life without breaking the bank can look across the Channel for inspiration, with a two or three-night urban escape. Here's our pick of budget-friendly, bucket-list city break destinations in Europe to consider visiting this year. Krakow, Poland Poland 's second-largest city makes for a great value weekend away. In Krakow's market square and its surrounding roads, quick bites, including pierogi dumplings and Polish beers can still be purchased for just a few pounds. Top attractions such as St Mary's Basilica, the Wieliczka Salt Mine and The Cloth Hall are also free or affordable to visit. Where to stay Vienna House Easy by Wyndham Cracow is a functional three-star hotel located within walking distance of Krakow Market Square and Kraków Główny Railway Station. Bucharest, Romania Bucharest, the capital and cultural hub of Romania, offers cheap, direct flights and bargain accommodation for far less than the likes of Paris and Rome. Notable highlights include the Palace of the Parliament government building, a landmark of the communist era. Many traditional Romanian meals, such as ciorba de burta and sarmale, are also locally produced, keeping eating out costs down. Budget Hello Hotels offers buffet breakfasts and standard double rooms just a three-minute walk from the Gara de Nord train station. Sofia, Bulgaria Built atop Roman ruins and overlooked by Vitosha mountain, the Bulgarian capital Sofia has everything from hot springs to hiking, ancient art and a magnificent Orthodox cathedral. Expect to spend no more than £10 on several shots of rakia fruit brandy before participating in the lively nightlife of this budget-friendly Balkan city. Generaator Sofia is centrally located with ensuite doubles, ski equipment hire and an outdoor seating area. Athens, Greece The Greek capital makes for a surprisingly affordable few days away. In stark contrast to Mykonos and Santorini, where a 'beach snack' has been known to go for £500, Athens has a history you can explore with a €2 gyro in hand. Most budget hotels have views of the Acropolis from rooftop terraces and bars, meaning you aren't losing out on experiencing Greek mythology first-hand by spending less on accommodation. Where to stay The Foundry Suites in downtown Athens has 12 spacious lofts, stocked minibars and a buzzy rooftop garden. Lisbon, Portugal Penny-save in Portugal 's coastal capital by travelling by tram or walking the hilly terrain on the hunt for the best budget pastel de nata and carafes of wine. In the right taverna, a pint will only set you back one to two pounds. With affordable accommodation, free hikes and the buzzing Time Out food market, Lisbon is a lot more wallet-friendly than other European capitals. Where to stay Stay at Mama Shelter Lisboa for a central location, eclectic furnishings and a lively rooftop bar. Prague, Czech Republic With crisscrossing bridges, an Old Town Square and gothic buildings, Prague promises architecture, culture, history and a decently priced pint. Even with flights and accommodation, it's easy to find a weekend break to the baroque Czech city for under £250pp when travelling outside peak season. The Prague Visitor Pass can also bag you discounted admission to attractions such as Prague Castle and the Petřín Tower. Where to stay The elegant Don Giovanni Hotel Prague hosts daily piano concerts and welcome drinks for a taste of affordable luxury. Toledo, Spain The former capital of the Spanish Empire, Toledo, is a walled ancient city in central Spain known for its gothic cathedral, Unesco World Heritage quarter and rich cultural heritage. Explore the winding streets on foot to try local specialities marzipan, carcamusas pork and Manchego cheese, and spend a fraction of the money you'd shell out on a trip to Barcelona. Where to stay Hotel Carlos V sits on the doorstep of Toledo's cathedral and the Alcázar Fortress. Rooms feature views of the World Heritage quarter.
CTV News
2 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Lawyer says Tate brothers will return to U.K. to face rape and trafficking charges
Andrew Tate, left, and his brother Tristan arrive at the Bucharest Tribunal in Bucharest, Romania, Feb. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda) LONDON — Influencer brothers Andrew and Tristan Tate will return to Britain to defend themselves against rape, trafficking and other charges, their lawyers said Thursday. Prosecutors authorized charges in January 2024 against the Tates, dual U.S. and British citizens who moved to Romania in 2016. But the Crown Prosecution Service did not announce the charges involving several women until Wednesday. Lawyers said the brothers, who are currently facing charges in Romania, are at a disadvantage because British prosecutors have not shared any information with them about the charges. 'These are historic allegations and our clients are not even being told who the supposed victims are,' the Holborn Adams law firm said in a statement. 'This ... demonstrates a different approach on the basis of the profile of our clients.' The former professional kickboxers have millions of followers on social media. Andrew has drawn a much larger following with self-professed misogyny that has drawn boys and young men to the luxurious lifestyle he projects. Andrew Tate, 38, faces 10 charges related to three women that include rape, actual bodily harm, human trafficking and controlling prostitution for gain, prosecutors said. Tristan Tate, 36, faces 11 charges related to one woman that include rape, human trafficking and actual bodily harm. The allegations from Bedfordshire, a county north of London where the brothers grew up, date back to between 2012 to 2015. The Tates were arrested in Romania in late 2022 and formally indicted last year on charges that they participated in a criminal ring there that lured women who were allegedly sexually exploited. Andrew Tate was also charged with rape. The siblings have denied all the allegations in Romania, and an appeals court there said in December that a human trafficking case could not proceed because of legal and procedural irregularities. Romanian courts have issued an order to extradite the two to the U.K. once their court case is concluded in there, British prosecutors said. Lawyers for the Tates said they may have information that could undermine the allegations, but police and prosecutors won't speak with them. They said the Tates would return to England when their cases in Romania conclude, and that they will be aggressively defended. Brian Melley, The Associated Press
