Democracy at Stake as Populists Battle Mayors in EU’s Troubled East

EU leaders can wipe the sweat from their brows after Sunday's horror elections in Romania and Poland. But the danger is not over yet, writes Karin Axelsson in this analysis.

Poland, Portugal and Romania go to the polls in tightly contested elections

In Poland, the tight presidential election will be decisive for the future of the country’s pro-EU government, while Portugal is voting in its third general election in three years.

Romania, Poland and Portugal cast votes in tightly contested elections

Voters in Romania, Poland and Portugal head to the polls on Sunday in elections expected to deliver gains to populist parties as the European Union grapples with growing immigration concerns, global trade tensions, economic instability and pressure from the US to bolster European defense spending in the context of Russia's ongoing war with Ukraine.

Poland, Romania & Portugal Elections 2025 Live: Europe faces a Maga test as 3 countries vote

Poland, Romania & Portugal Elections 2025 LIVE Updates: From presidential runoffs to snap parliamentary votes, these elections come at a time of heightened political tension, economic uncertainty, and shifting alliances within the European Union

Democracy at stake as populists battle mayors in EU’s troubled east

Romania and Poland’s votes could impact rule of law, Ukraine support and embolden the bloc’s eastern awkward squad

23:44 The pro-European camp seems to be triumphing in the presidential elections in Romania and Poland. However, both results are anything but reassuring.