Mon Dec 02 04:25:03 UTC 2024: ## Romanian Leftists Hold Power, but Far-Right Makes Significant Gains in Election
**BUCHAREST** – Romania’s Social Democratic Party (SDP) has secured a parliamentary majority in Sunday’s general election, but faces a strengthened far-right opposition. Incomplete results show the SDP with 24% of the vote, while the hard-right Alliance for Uniting Romanians (AUR) surged to approximately 18%, a significant increase in their representation. The National Liberal Party, a coalition partner of the SDP, garnered 14%, and the Save Romania Union received 10%.
Voter turnout exceeded expectations, reaching its highest level in two decades, with over 9 million people casting ballots – more than 52.3% of eligible voters. Final results are pending the count of votes from Romanians living abroad, who are typically more conservative.
The election reflects a rising tide of ultra-nationalist sentiment in Romania. The AUR’s gains pose a challenge to the governing coalition’s pro-EU and pro-Ukraine stances. Romania’s strong support for Ukraine, including the recent pledge to donate a Patriot missile system, contrasts sharply with the AUR’s stance.
The election also highlighted concerns about Romania’s high national debt (8% of GDP), the highest in the EU.
Separately, the first round of presidential voting produced a surprising outcome. Hard-right populist Calin Georgescu, who garnered far more support than predicted, will face off against left-leaning reformist Elena Lasconi in a December 8th runoff. Georgescu, formerly affiliated with the AUR, has drawn criticism for his praise of past ultra-nationalist leaders, pro-Putin sentiments, and his description of Ukraine as an “invented state.” His significant online presence, particularly on TikTok, played a major role in his unexpected success. Concerns have been raised about potential bot activity boosting his online support.
Lasconi has framed the upcoming presidential runoff as a crucial choice between safeguarding Romania’s democracy and a return to Russian influence.
First Piper 