Elections in Romania: Surprise victory of the right -wing populist Georgescu!

Elections in Romania: Surprise victory of the right -wing populist Georgescu!

In a dramatic political climate, the Romanians are voting on their future government today! The parliamentary elections follow only one week after the surprising success of the right -wing extremist candidate Calin Georgescu in the first round of the presidential elections. Georgescu, who competed as an independent candidate and was previously a member of the Allianz for the unity of Romanians (Aur), achieved 23 percent of the votes and thus presents the established parties with a huge challenge.

The voters decide on the composition of the 323 seats comprehensive lower house and the 133 seats. Romanians living abroad have also been able to hand in their voices since Saturday. The ruling coalition from the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and the National Liberal Party (PNL) is under pressure to assert itself against the aspiring Aur. This coalition, which was formed in 2021, has dominated Romania's after-community policy.

political uncertainty and possible manipulation

Georgus Surprising Success has triggered speculation about election manipulations, which led to an application for voting and an invitation to the Supreme Court to repeat the first round of election. These uncertainties throw a shadow on the parliamentary elections because the voters do not know whether the result of the presidential elections will exist. It also remains unclear whether the runoff election planned for December 8th and the centrist candidate Elena Lasconi, who represents the Save Romania Union (USR), can take place or is postponed.

The confusion about the presidential election could influence the turnout and trust of voters in the political process. While the president in Romania has significant decision -making power in areas such as national security and foreign policy, the prime minister is the head of the government. Observers warn that the outcome of the presidential elections indicate a dramatic change towards populist, anti-establishment parties that gain influence in times of high inflation and a stagnating economy.