But when asked about how people will cope, ministers are inevitably pointing to this increase as evidence of how the government is helping out.
He has been placed under judicial control and told not to leave Romania, according to reports. As he left the prosecutor's office, Georgescu told supporters he would continue to fight and that there was "no difference between the communist mentality and system [that collapsed in 1989] and now".The original presidential vote was cancelled before the second round last December, after the then president, Klaus Iohannis declassified intelligence documents that suggested that hundreds of TikTok accounts had been activated backing Georgescu.
Romanian foreign intelligence said Russia had been behind the move, as well as thousands of cyber-attacks and other sabotage.Iohannis had decided to stay in office until a successor was elected, but he resigned earlier this month ahead of an impeachment vote.Opposition politicians had at the time accused Iohannis of an undemocratic move, and Georgescu's communications team repeated the claim against prosecutors.
"Where is democracy now?" they posted on X on Wednesday, tagging President Donald Trump, Elon Musk and US Vice-President JD Vance.Earlier this month, the US vice-president accused Romania of annulling the elections based on "flimsy suspicions" of Romanian intelligence and pressure from its neighbours.
Romanian Foreign Minister Emil Hurezeanu accused Elon Musk of a "form of interference" in Romania's elections, after the billionaire posted several messages of support for Georgescu.
Georgescu's hopes of running for the presidency may end up at the constitutional court, which barred another far-right, pro-Russian candidate from running last year.Stourhead House near Warminster reopens this weekend and has a new exhibition which includes the costume worn by Matthew Macfadyen in the 2005 film Pride and Prejudice and a replica dress worn by Kiera Knightley from the same film.
Flowers are poking through as winter fades. Crocuses at Swindon's Old Town Gardens are among the colourful displays.Foodbank fundraiser: The sale of craft items made by care home residents, donated gifts and having a garden party has raised nearly £1,500 for Salisbury's foodbank. Residents and team members at Braemar Lodge in the city chose it as their main charity for the past year.
Wildlife spotting: Excitement at Longleat Safari Park this week was caused by the estate's own wildlife rather than the safari animals. Awas caught on camera finding food.