Gabriela Vranceanu Firea

National Liberal Party (PNL) Chairman Ludovic Orban said on Tuesday that "it would have been better" if the USR-PLUS Alliance [formed by USR - Save Romania Union, PLUS - Freedom, Unity and Solidarity Party] did not nominate a candidate for the presidential election, explaining that this splits the votes in the fight against the Social Democratic Party (PSD, major at rule).

Romania's ruling Social Democratic Party on Monday dismissed seven cabinet ministers and sanctioned several high-profile party members, sparking concerns that the leadership is bent on purging all party members who have been critical of its strongman Liviu Dragnea.

Romanian passengers and drivers defended carpooling apps on Wednesday, as the European Court of Justice ruled that Uber is a transport company and must respect European Union legislation in the field.

Romania's Interior Ministry started an awareness campaign in schools on Tuesday to warn pupils, teachers and parents about the alleged risks of the notorious 'Blue Whale' online game after several recent juvenile suicides were linked to it by the media and some police - although no proof of any link has yet been established.

According to exit polls, the PSD won Sunday's local elections, as previously predicted, securing 37.5 per cent of the vote and giving it a boost ahead of parliamentary elections later this year, while the right-wing National Liberal Party, PNL won a projected 28 per cent.

Romanians were choosing 3,200 mayors, 41 chairs of district councils and more than 40,000 council members.