Social Democrats Secure Victory in Romania's Parliamentary Elections Amid Rising Far-Right Support

With 99% of the votes counted in Romania's parliamentary elections, the Social Democratic Party (PSD), led by Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, has secured the largest share of the vote with 23%. The Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) follows in second place with 18%, while the National Liberal Party (PNL) is in third with 15%.

Voter turnout in these elections is anticipated to be the highest in two decades, exceeding 50%. Preliminary results suggest that seven political parties will have representation in both the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies in the next term. Among these, the Social Democrats have emerged victorious, consolidating their position against the rising far-right movement, which challenges Romania's pro-Western stance. A notable surprise in these elections is the emergence of the "Young People's Party," which appears set to enter parliament with more than 6% of the vote.

In the midst of the tension surrounding last week's presidential election results, the Constitutional Court is scheduled to hear a case today regarding the potential annulment of the first round of the presidential election. The first round, held last Sunday, saw far-right candidate Călin Georgescu claim victory, leading to widespread protests across Romania.

Exit polls for the parliamentary elections show the PSD at the top with 26%, followed by AUR at 19%. The PNL, part of the current ruling coalition, secured 15.5% of the vote, while the reformist USR party also garnered 15.5%. Other parties, including far-right groups SOS Romania and POT (Party of Young People), along with the Hungarian minority's UDMR, are expected to enter the legislative body. Progressive pro-EU parties SENS and REPER, however, are unlikely to cross the 5% threshold.