Romanians returned to the polls on Sunday to elect a new parliament, with the far-right parties poised to win a significant share of the vote. This development could potentially lead to a shift in the foreign policy of the NATO country bordering Ukraine.
The parliamentary poll comes at a time of intense political turmoil, sparked by a top court’s order to recount the ballots of the first round of the separate presidential election held on November 24. The presidential ballot was won by Calin Georgescu, a relatively unknown far-right candidate who admires Russian President Vladimir Putin. A run-off in that poll is scheduled for December 8.
Despite allegations of Russian influence and interference via TikTok, Sunday’s parliamentary elections proceeded as planned. Polling stations opened at 7:00 am and closed at 9:00 pm, with an exit poll expected to be published shortly after. The first official results are expected later in the evening.
Florentina Noja, a 55-year-old engineer, expressed her desire for change, stating that she voted for “some young” candidates who were “a little less indoctrinated by the current system.” She hoped for “more transparency and less corruption” while voicing concern that Romania might turn away from its pro-European path.
Analysts predict that a fragmented parliament will emerge from Sunday’s vote, influencing the chances of forming a future government. Polls indicate that several far-right parties, which oppose sending aid to Ukraine, are expected to claim a combined share of the vote of over 30%. The country of 19 million people has so far resisted rising nationalism in the region, but experts say it now faces an unprecedented situation since the fall of Communism in 1989.
The far-right parties include the AUR, which is leading the latest polls, and the extreme-right SOS Romania party. In the opposing pro-EU camp, the centrist USR hopes to do well after their leader, Elena Lasconi, placed second in the presidential ballot.
Outgoing Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu described Sunday’s parliamentary ballot as a choice “between stability and chaos.” Outgoing pro-EU President Klaus Iohannis emphasized that the vote was “crucial” and would determine Romania’s future.
