Romania is experiencing significant political upheaval as the nation engages with the results of its recent parliamentary election and braces for the imminent presidential election runoff scheduled for December 8. Following weeks of intense competition, the parliamentary results have revealed the Social Democrats as the largest party, but the country’s political future remains uncertain due to rising nationalist sentiments and fears of instability within Western alliances.
On December 1, 2024, the Social Democrat Party (PSD), which has been part of Romania's political framework since the fall of communism, garnered approximately 22.4% of the total votes cast. This result positions them at the forefront of the fragmented parliament, albeit without the majority needed to straightforwardly govern. This election highlighted the power dynamic shifting within Romania, with several far-right parties making headway; three hard-right parties, identified as part of the so-called Russian-friendly political group, collectively won about 30% of the ballot—a significant rise from their previous standing.
Experts describe this new parliament as ‘broken,’ characterized by hostility and division among the various factions, with political analyst Radu Magdin noting the challenges inherent in forming a stable coalition government. Although the Social Democrats are likely to attempt to form alliances with centrist parties, hurdles abound, particularly as the ultraconservative groups harbor stark divisions among themselves, complicate potential coalition discussions.
Adding to the tension is the first round of the presidential election held on November 24, which saw the unaligned far-right candidate Călin Georgescu emerge unexpectedly as the frontrunner with 38.4% of votes. This surprising victory, which caught many off guard, sparked allegations of electoral inconsistencies and external interference—claims partly fueled by Georgescu’s pro-Russia stance and questionable social media campaigning tactics.
This political climate has prompted Romania's top court to intervene. On November 28, 2024, the Constitutional Court ordered a recount of the presidential votes after accusations arose surrounding potential vote manipulation. These claims were considered serious enough to warrant scrutiny, with some candidates alleging their votes were improperly transferred to Georgescu's opponent, Elena Lasconi, thereby undermining the transparency of the elections. The Court, after extensive deliberation, ruled out any significant electoral fraud, validating the ballot counts except for minor adjustments, leading to the continuation of the presidential runoff.
Elena Lasconi, who previously served as the mayor of the city of Cernavodă and is backed by the Save Romania Union (USR), is now preparing to challenge Georgescu. Her party, which won about 12% of the parliamentary votes, has positioned itself as the liberal alternative in opposition to Georgescu’s nationalistic rhetoric and sentiments. With the runoff just days away, she aims to galvanize support from pro-European constituents who may be apprehensive about the shift toward nationalist governance.
Interestingly, the results of the parliamentary elections have presented unique challenges for Lasconi. While she strives to rally support against Georgescu, her party also faces pressure to cooperate with the PSD, as their coalition could solidify Romania’s commitment to maintaining its pro-Western orientation amid rising uncertainty.
The backdrop of international relations remains undeniably significant, as Romania has historically been viewed as a steadfast ally of the United States and NATO. The ascent of nationalist forces, particularly those sympathetic to Russia, could reshape Romania's positioning on the global stage—a shift European partners are watching closely. Victor Negrescu, from the Social Democrat Party, has emphasized their commitment to continuing Romania's European course and recognizes the fragility of the current political scenario. “We want a coalition,” he stressed, “that will uphold Romania’s alignment with European values.”
The situation has drawn heightened attention not only from political analysts but also from sectors concerned with Romania’s economic stability, security, and its role within NATO. There is widespread apprehension about how the growing influence of far-right parties could affect both foreign relations and internal harmony. Some experts even equate the current political climate to one of Romania’s most turbulent periods since the end of communism, stirring fears of regression toward more authoritarian policies.
Navigatiting this new and fractured political terrain will undoubtedly present challenges for the leaders involved. At the forefront with Georgescu and Lasconi as presidential candidates, the results could fundamentally alter Romania’s direction depending on who secures the presidency. The expectation is not merely to adapt domestically but also to uphold commitments abroad, especially as pressure mounts against those exhibiting signs of anti-Westernism.
With the runoff approaching, every engagement—whether in the political arena, through media, or social platforms—takes on increased gravity. The campaigns are expected to intensify, with candidates leveraging everything from traditional rallies to the digital realms to sway voters. Meanwhile, international observers will closely monitor the integrity of the electoral process, putting the spotlight back on Romania’s commitment to democratic norms and practices.
The ramifications of these elections extend beyond national borders and echo throughout Europe and beyond. Romania must tread carefully as it seeks to balance the desires of its electorate with the expectations of its allies, showcasing the resilience of its democratic institutions against the clamor of rising nationalism.
