Romania's political crisis deepens as second government bid fails, far-right gains

Romania's political crisis, ongoing for five months since the fall of PM Nicolae Ciucă's government, worsened as parliament rejected Ludovic Orban's second attempt to form a government. The failure underscores institutional paralysis and the rising influence of far-right parties, which now threaten to recall the president. The prolonged deadlock risks economic instability and democratic backsliding in a key EU and NATO member state.