Romania's election results signal the rise of far‑right parties
After counting votes from over 99% of the commissions in Sunday's parliamentary elections in Romania, the Social Democratic Party (PSD) (22.7%) is in first place, and the far-right Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) (18%) is in second. Two other far-right parties, S.O.S. Romania and the Party of Youth (POT), will also enter the Parliament.
After counting votes from 99.13% of the commissions, the National Liberal Party (PNL) (14.4%), PSD's previous coalition partner, and the centre-right Save Romania Union (USR) (12%) are in third and fourth place.
Above the threshold are the far-right S.O.S. Romania (7.58%) and the POT—Party of Youth (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 considering the population. Currently, the Romanian Parliament consists of 136 senators and 329 deputies. There will be 136 senators and 330 deputies in the newly elected assembly.
The voting occurred in 42 constituencies within the country and one for citizens living abroad.
The electoral threshold in the 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, which took place on Sunday, November 24th, the first place was taken by a representative of the radical right, independent candidate Colin Georgescu. This previously little-known politician quickly gained popularity through a broad campaign on the TikTok platform.
Elena Lasconi, leader of the centre-right Save Romania Union (USR), came in second place. The second round of elections will be held on December 8th.
“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 1st, the occasion of Romania's National Day. He urged fellow citizens to vote to maintain Romania's European and Euro-Atlantic path in the elections.
