Romanians went to the polls on Sunday for a parliamentary election that has been overshadowed by recent political turmoil and allegations of electoral violations, including claims of Russian interference. The vote, which will determine the next government and prime minister, comes amid a highly contentious two-round presidential race that has rocked the nation.

By 5 p.m. on Sunday, approximately 7.5 million people, or 42% of eligible voters, had cast their ballots in the legislative election, according to the Central Election Bureau. The 466-seat parliament will be tasked with shaping the country’s future, including the formation of a new government.

The election follows last week’s first-round presidential race, which saw far-right populist Calin Georgescu, a controversial candidate, win the most votes despite polling in single digits. Georgescu, 62, will face reformist Elena Lasconi in a second-round runoff. His unexpected success has sparked widespread protests, particularly from those critical of his past remarks praising Romanian fascist leaders and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Critics view Georgescu’s rise as a threat to Romania’s democratic values, with many blaming his popularity on the explosive growth of his TikTok presence.

Georgescu’s TikTok account reportedly saw a surge in engagement ahead of the election, which experts have called “artificial” and similar to his polling results. Romania’s defense body has raised concerns that Georgescu benefited from preferential treatment, suggesting that the country has become a “priority target” for Russian influence. The Kremlin, however, has denied any involvement in the election process.

Amid the political uncertainty, Romania’s top defense body recently called for a recount of the 9.4 million votes cast in the presidential election after a candidate claimed violations of electoral laws. Meanwhile, the Constitutional Court is set to rule on whether to annul the vote after an appeal was filed regarding campaign activity on election day.

Political analysts predict that the outcome of the presidential race will have a profound effect on Sunday’s parliamentary election. Cristian Andrei, a political consultant in Bucharest, warned that Georgescu’s success could lead to a surge in support for far-right parties, potentially reshaping Romania’s political landscape.

Despite the challenges, Romania’s political establishment remains divided. The ruling coalition of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and the National Liberal Party (PNL) has become increasingly strained, and the prime minister’s office faces pressure from both populist factions and pro-European parties.

Incumbent Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, speaking after casting his vote, emphasized that Romanians must choose between “stability and chaos” and urged the public to remain aligned with Europe and NATO. Georgescu, meanwhile, framed his vote as a choice for “peace” and “respect” for Romania’s future.

Surveys suggest that the top contenders in the parliamentary race are the PSD, the far-right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians, and the PNL, while smaller parties like the USR and the nationalist S.O.S Romania party could also gain traction. With the political landscape in flux, many Romanians are hoping for a return to stability as the country navigates its uncertain future.

A harrowing encounter unfolded on a Melbourne freeway when a woman fended off one of the world’s most venomous snakes while driving at 50 miles per hour.

Victoria Police responded to reports of a barefoot woman frantically waving down vehicles on the Monash Freeway on Saturday. The woman recounted to officers her terrifying ordeal: she was driving at 80 kilometers per hour (50 mph) when she felt something on her foot. Looking down, she discovered a tiger snake—a species known for its potent venom—slithering up her leg.

Remarkably, she managed to fend off the snake while weaving through traffic. She then pulled over safely and leapt out of her car. Paramedics quickly arrived on the scene to assess her, confirming that she had not been bitten.

Victoria Police commended her composure, stating in a release, “Her quick thinking and calm actions likely prevented a much more serious outcome.”

Snake Safely Removed

Tim Nanninga of Melbourne Snake Control was called to handle the situation. He successfully captured and relocated the snake, which had moved to the back of the car by the time he arrived.

“It’s a miracle how she managed to safely park the car in such a dangerous situation,” Nanninga told 9News, a CNN affiliate. “Snakes in cars often find hidden spots where they can stay undetected for days. Luckily, this one became visible and was removed without further incident.”

Experts attribute the incident to Melbourne’s recent tropical weather, which has been drawing snakes out of their natural habitats, such as creeks and riverbeds.

Australia’s Dangerous Wildlife

Australia is no stranger to encounters with its diverse and deadly wildlife. The country is home to numerous venomous snakes, sharks, and two of the world’s most poisonous spiders.

In a separate incident last month, a hiker was found alive after surviving a snake bite while being lost for nearly two weeks in the Snowy Mountains.

While rare, encounters like these highlight the importance of staying alert, especially in regions where wildlife is active. Authorities remind drivers to thoroughly check vehicles if parked near natural areas and to seek immediate help in similar situations.

The woman’s extraordinary escape underscores the resilience often required when living alongside Australia’s unique and sometimes perilous fauna.

Russia’s military budget is set to soar to unprecedented levels in 2025, with spending on national defense surpassing allocations for health care, education, and social policy combined. This strategic shift underscores Moscow’s commitment to its war efforts in Ukraine as the conflict continues into its third year.

President Vladimir Putin has approved budget plans allocating 32.5% of next year’s budget—equivalent to over €137 billion—to defense. This represents a significant increase from the reported 28.3% spent on defense in 2024. The budget was formally ratified by both chambers of Russia’s parliament in recent weeks, reflecting a unified stance on bolstering the country’s military capabilities.

The war in Ukraine, which began in February 2022, remains Europe’s largest conflict since World War II, draining resources on both sides. While Kyiv receives substantial aid from Western allies, including financial and military support, Russia continues to leverage its larger and better-equipped armed forces. Recent months have seen Russian troops steadily pushing back Ukrainian forces in the contested eastern regions.

Escalating Violence on Both Sides

The conflict remains marked by deadly exchanges, with both nations employing drone strikes in increasingly aggressive tactics. On Sunday, three civilians were killed, and seven were injured in Kherson, southern Ukraine, when a Russian drone struck a minibus, according to regional Governor Oleksandr Prokudin.

The aftermath of a missile strike on Dnipro on Saturday revealed a rising toll, with 24 injured, including seven in serious condition, and four fatalities, Dnipropetrovsk Governor Serhiy Lysak reported.

Meanwhile, Ukraine faced an onslaught of 78 Russian drones overnight into Sunday. Ukrainian officials stated that their air force destroyed 32 drones, while 45 others were electronically jammed and neutralized.

In a retaliatory strike, Ukrainian drones targeted Russian territory, resulting in the death of a child in the Bryansk region near the border, according to Governor Alexander Bogomaz. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed to have intercepted 29 Ukrainian drones in four western regions, including Bryansk, Kaluga, Smolensk, and Kursk.

Economic and Strategic Implications

The record-breaking military budget highlights the strain the conflict places on Russia’s economy, as spending on domestic welfare programs diminishes. Analysts suggest the increased defense spending reflects Moscow’s aim to maintain its strategic advantage over Ukraine while preparing for a protracted conflict.

With no immediate end to the war in sight, the intensified focus on military spending signals Russia’s prioritization of its geopolitical objectives, even at significant domestic cost. As the conflict drags on, the global community remains watchful of its far-reaching consequences.