The Rise of the Far-Right in Recent Parliamentary Elections in Romania

Romania is on the brink of a dramatic political transformation following its December 1, 2024 parliamentary elections. While the ruling Social Democratic Party (PSD) has emerged as the leading party, securing approximately 24% of the votes, the real story lies in the unprecedented surge of far-right parties that have entered parliament, reshaping the nation’s political landscape.

A Surge of Nationalism

The Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR), a far-right nationalist party, has made significant gains, capturing around 18% of the vote. This marks a substantial increase from its previous standing and signals a growing appetite for nationalist rhetoric among Romanian voters. George Simion, AUR’s leader, declared this moment a “turning point” for Romania, emphasizing that their success represents a collective awakening against what they perceive as external influences undermining national sovereignty.

Adding to this nationalist momentum are two other far-right parties, SOS Romania and the Party of Young People (POT), which have also crossed the electoral threshold to enter parliament. Together, these parties account for over 31% of the parliamentary seats, a stark reminder of the shifting sentiments within Romanian society.

Political Turmoil and Allegations of Manipulation

The backdrop to these elections has been tumultuous. Just days before the parliamentary vote, Romania was rocked by allegations of electoral misconduct surrounding the first round of presidential elections, where Călin Georgescu—a little-known far-right candidate—unexpectedly topped the polls. His rise has been attributed to a savvy social media campaign, particularly on TikTok, which many believe has manipulated public opinion through questionable tactics.

Yet, the recounting of the votes showed no fraud in ballots, and the first round of elections was declared valid.

The implications of these elections extend beyond mere party representation; they signify a profound ideological divide within Romanian society. Many voters express frustration with traditional political elites, feeling abandoned amid rising inflation and economic uncertainty. The allure of far-right parties is fueled by promises to prioritize national interests over external obligations—a sentiment echoed by voters who feel that their voices have been marginalized in favour of Brussels’ directives.

Political analysts warn that the increased representation of far-right factions complicates coalition-building efforts among pro-European parties. The PSD will need to navigate this fragmented parliament carefully to maintain stability while addressing the burgeoning nationalist sentiment that threatens to reshape Romania’s identity.

As Romania grapples with its future direction, the rise of far-right parties marks a pivotal moment in its history. With significant portions of the electorate now leaning towards nationalism and anti-establishment sentiments, Romania is at a crossroads.

The upcoming presidential runoff will be crucial for determining leadership and setting the tone of Romania’s domestic and foreign policies in an increasingly polarized environment. The stakes are high as Romania must decide whether to embrace a path toward isolationism or reaffirm its commitment to democratic values and European integration.ShareRewrite