Pro-Western parties in Romania are likely to form a coalition following Sunday’s parliamentary election, where the Social Democrats won the most votes. However, a significant surge in support for far-right nationalists could complicate the upcoming presidential runoff. The far-right nationalist Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR) came in second place, ahead of the National Liberal Party, signaling a potential challenge for pro-Western parties in forming a majority government.
Political analyst Ion M Ionita noted that the increased presence of far-right parties in parliament may make it difficult for pro-Western parties to reach agreements. The runoff for the presidency between far-right populist Calin Georgescu and liberal centrist Elena Lasconi is also expected to be a closely watched event, with allegations of electoral violations and Russian interference.
The rise of anti-establishment sentiment in Romania was evident during the election, and the AUR party, led by George Simion, experienced significant gains. The party, known for its hardline nationalist and anti-vax stance, won the largest share of the vote among Romanians living abroad.
As Romania grapples with political turmoil and a fragmented parliament, forming a unified majority government may prove to be a challenge. With pro-Western parties historically in opposition and disagreements over main priorities, reaching a consensus could be difficult. The upcoming presidential runoff will play a crucial role in determining the country’s political future.
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