Romania Holds Parliamentary Elections Amid Accusations of External Meddling

International News Department 02-12-2024

Romania is voting in parliamentary elections against a backdrop of political upheaval following allegations of electoral fraud and foreign interference in the recent presidential race.

Far-right political forces are expected to make significant strides in these elections, with the nationalist Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) leading slightly in polls over the Social Democratic Party (PSD), a key player in the ruling coalition.

The elections follow last week’s stunning presidential first-round results, where far-right, pro-Moscow candidate Călin Georgescu, previously polling at just 5%, unexpectedly emerged as the frontrunner. His campaign, heavily reliant on viral TikTok videos, has raised suspicions of manipulation involving automated accounts.

The unexpected outcome has sparked nightly protests and prompted Romania’s highest court to order a vote recount. The court is also reviewing a petition by a defeated candidate, Elena Lasconi, to nullify the results due to alleged illegal activities.

As of now, Georgescu is set to face Lasconi in a runoff on December 8. However, this could change depending on the court’s ruling, potentially delaying both presidential votes and exacerbating political uncertainty.

These elections are pivotal for Romania’s future, a country that has been a dependable EU and NATO ally and a critical supporter of Ukraine. Political experts warn of a potential shift toward ultranationalism, which would mark a dramatic departure from Romania’s post-communist trajectory.

“Those who voted for Georgescu may not realize the extent of the transformation they’re endorsing,” said political scientist Cristian Pîrvulescu.

Public frustration over corruption and rising living costs has fueled support for far-right groups like the AUR. Polls indicate the AUR is garnering approximately 22% of the vote, ahead of the PSD at 21%, with the pro-EU Save Romania Union (USR) trailing at 17%.

Political analyst Cristian Andrei predicts a dramatic reshaping of Romania’s political spectrum, with the influence of anti-establishment voters becoming increasingly evident.

Outgoing President Klaus Iohannis emphasized the stakes, framing the election as a choice between preserving Romania’s democratic values and succumbing to isolationism and extremism.

Newer political forces, such as the Party of Young People (POT) and the extreme-right SOS Romania, are also likely to gain seats in parliament, further complicating coalition-building in an already fragmented political landscape.

Concerns over external interference have added to the tension. Romanian authorities reported unusual online activities aimed at swaying the presidential vote, although no specific candidate was named. TikTok, a key platform for Georgescu’s campaign, has denied giving preferential treatment to his account, dismissing the allegations as baseless.

Călin Georgescu’s controversial rhetoric, including calls to end the Ukraine war and praise for fascist figures, has further polarized public opinion. His platform, coupled with economic frustrations, may significantly reshape Romania’s political direction in the coming months.

Polling stations opened early Sunday and are set to close at 9 PM local time, with exit polls expected shortly thereafter. The results will not only determine Romania’s immediate political future but also signal the potential for a broader ideological shift in the nation.