Romanians Vote in Parliamentary Election Amid Uncertainty Over Presidential Result
Romanians are casting their ballots in a parliamentary election on Sunday, with the far-right expected to make significant gains from the uncertainty surrounding the outcome of the presidential election. The surprise victory of a far-right candidate in the first round of the presidential election has raised concerns that Romania’s pro-Western orientation could be compromised and its backing for Ukraine might be undermined.
The parliamentary election is the second of three consecutive ballots for both a new parliament and a new president. The first round of the presidential election saw an independent far-right candidate emerge from relative obscurity, leading to increased support for ultranationalist, hard-right parties with some having overt pro-Russian sympathies.
The election pits the far-right contenders against pro-European mainstream parties, which have been criticized for infighting and corruption. Far-right parties have also used Romania’s championing of Ukraine to stoke fears that the war could spill over the border and to express resentment over alleged preferential treatment for refugees from Ukraine.
Many Romanians are dissatisfied with the current state of affairs, citing budget problems and the high cost of living. “I’m not voting for any party that has been in parliament before, it’s an elimination vote,” said cab driver Marian Gheorghe. “I have children and I’m tired of telling them ‘no’ because I can’t afford what they need. Where is the justice, why are Romanian children less than Ukrainian children?”
With about 3.1 million Romanians having voted by 10:00 GMT, early exit polls are expected to be released later in the evening. The Far-right Alliance for Uniting Romanians (AUR) is seen as the front-runner, with two other far-right splinter parties expected to enter parliament, giving them a third of the seats in the legislative.
The outcome of the parliamentary election is uncertain, with the result of the presidential first round vote yet to be confirmed. The election will be followed by a presidential run-off on December 8 between the winner of the first round and centrist candidate Elena Lasconi.
