The results of Romania’s recent parliamentary elections reveal a political landscape in flux. While the ruling Social Democratic Party (PSD) remains the largest force in parliament, the rise of far-right parties has sent shockwaves through the country’s political establishment.
This development, coupled with the contentious outcome of the first round of the presidential election, has placed Romania at the centre of a broader European trend of growing support for nationalist and populist movements.
Parliamentary Elections: Pro-European Majority, Far-Right Surge
With 99% of the votes counted, the Social Democrats (PSD), led by Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, emerged as the largest party, securing nearly 23% of the vote. Despite this, the PSD saw a decline of approximately 6 percentage points compared to the 2020 elections. Their coalition partner, the centre-right National Liberal Party (PNL), garnered just over 14%, further cementing the coalition’s position as the pro-European majority in Romania’s parliament.
However, the story of these elections lies in the meteoric rise of far-right parties. The Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) doubled its share of votes compared to four years ago, claiming nearly 18% and becoming the second-largest political force in the country. In addition, smaller far-right parties, such as S.O.S. Romania and POT, crossed the electoral threshold, collectively pushing the far-right bloc to over 30% of the vote—a threefold increase since the previous elections.
The Presidential Race: A Divisive Battle
The parliamentary elections followed closely on the heels of the first round of the presidential election, where an unexpected upset occurred. Far-right, pro-Russian candidate Calin Georgescu emerged as the frontrunner, outpacing both Ciolacu and Elena Lasconi, the liberal-conservative, pro-Western candidate. Georgescu, a former member of AUR, has received the backing of his old party for the second round, further consolidating the far-right’s momentum.
This surprising outcome has been attributed to Georgescu’s effective use of populist rhetoric and unconventional campaigning methods, including a strong presence on social media platforms like TikTok. His rise has alarmed Romania’s pro-European voters, who now face the challenge of uniting behind Lasconi in the second round, scheduled for 8 December—provided the Constitutional Court confirms the results of the first round after a recount.
Drivers of the Far-Right’s Rise
Several factors have contributed to the far-right’s growing appeal in Romania:
- Disillusionment with Established Parties
Many Romanians, frustrated with corruption and stagnation among traditional political elites, have turned to far-right parties as a vehicle for change. This disillusionment has also energised younger voters, drawn to Georgescu’s anti-establishment message. - Nationalist and Sovereigntist Sentiments
The far-right’s emphasis on nationalism and opposition to perceived overreach by the European Union resonates with voters sceptical of Western influence. Georgescu’s pro-Russian stance further distinguishes him from Romania’s pro-EU mainstream. - Social Media Mobilisation
Georgescu’s campaign demonstrated the power of social media platforms in shaping political narratives. His ability to connect with voters directly through TikTok and other platforms has bypassed traditional media channels, amplifying his populist message.
Implications for Romania and Europe
Romania’s elections highlights a broader trend seen across Europe, where far-right and populist movements are gaining traction by capitalising on dissatisfaction with the political status quo. These movements challenge the European Union’s principles of integration, rule of law, and shared values.
In Romania, the stakes are particularly high. The country has long been viewed as a reliable pro-European partner, and a victory for Georgescu in the presidential race would mark a significant shift in its foreign and domestic policy priorities. His ascent could embolden other far-right movements across Europe and strain Romania’s relations with NATO and the EU.
The parliamentary results, while ensuring a pro-European majority, highlight the need for traditional parties to adapt. PSD and PNL may need to deepen their cooperation to counterbalance the growing influence of the far-right. This will require setting aside historical animosities and presenting a united front to safeguard Romania’s democratic and European trajectory.
What Comes Next?
The outcome of the recount for the presidential first round will determine the immediate course of Romania’s political future. If Georgescu faces Lasconi in the second round, as expected, pro-European forces must rally behind her candidacy. Any fragmentation of this support could hand Georgescu a decisive victory, further complicating efforts to maintain Romania’s Western alignment.
On the parliamentary front, the PSD-led coalition will likely continue to govern, but the far-right’s strong performance will reshape the political discourse. The presence of a robust far-right opposition could lead to heightened polarisation and increased challenges in addressing pressing domestic and international issues.
Implications for the Region
Romania’s elections serve as a stark reminder of the volatile political environment across Europe. While pro-European forces have retained control of parliament, the rise of the far-right signals a growing dissatisfaction with the traditional political order. Romania now faces a critical juncture: the choices made in the coming weeks will not only define its domestic trajectory but also influence its role within the European Union and NATO.
The message for Europe is clear—strengthening democratic institutions and addressing the root causes of populist discontent must remain a priority to counter the rise of extremism and preserve the continent’s stability and unity.
