Romanian elections shift landscape as far‑right gains ground
After counting votes from over 99% of the precincts in Sunday's parliamentary elections in Romania, the Social Democratic Party (PSD) leads with 22.7%, while the radically right-wing AUR is in second place with 18%. Two other far-right parties, S.O.S Romania and POT, will also enter parliament.
6:33 AM EST, December 2, 2024
In third and fourth place, having counted votes from 99.13% of the precincts, are the National Liberal Party (PNL) with 14.4%, the previous coalition partner of the PSD in the government, and the center-right Save Romania Union (USR) with 12%.
Above the threshold are the far-right S.O.S Romania with 7.58% and the POT - Party of Young People with 6.2%.
With a result of 6.5%, the Hungarian minority party UDMR will also enter parliament.
In the Romanian political system, the number of deputies and senators is determined based on special formulas that consider the population size. Currently, the Romanian parliament consists of 136 senators and 329 deputies. In the newly elected assembly, there will be 136 senators and 330 deputies.
Voting took place in 42 constituencies throughout the country and one constituency for citizens living abroad.
The electoral threshold in parliamentary elections is 5% for parties and 8% for two-party alliances.
Political earthquake after presidential elections
In the first round of the presidential elections, held on Sunday, November 24, Colin Georgescu, a representative of the radical right and an independent candidate, won. This previously little-known politician quickly gained popularity through a widespread campaign on the TikTok platform.
Elena Lasconi, head of the center-right Save Romania Union (USR), came in second place. The second round of elections will be held on December 8.
"I know I made mistakes. I ask for your forgiveness," said Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, soon to end his term, in a speech on Sunday, December 1, the occasion of Romania's National Day. He urged his fellow citizens to vote to maintain Romania's European and Euro-Atlantic path in the elections.
