Romania confirms new PM; Albania protests enter seventh day

· Politics · Romania · Albania

Romania's parliament confirmed independent Luca Niculescu as prime minister, ending nearly six months of political deadlock that had put pressure on the country's investment-grade rating and dented investor confidence. In Albania, violent anti-government protests entered a seventh day, with almost 300 people injured, more than half of them police, as demonstrations show no sign of easing. Albanian prosecutors also formalised corruption charges against former deputy prime minister Belinda Balluku, whose original indictment a year ago triggered rioting in Tirana.

Why it matters：Political instability in southeastern Europe tests investor confidence and the region's EU aspirations.

Key points

  • Niculescu ends six months of deadlock in Romania
  • Albania's protests have injured almost 300 people
  • Ex-deputy PM Balluku faces formal corruption charges

Sources (original reporting)

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