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Parliamentary elections in Romania. Exit poll: social democrats win, far right in second place

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The ruling Social Democratic Party won the elections to the Romanian parliament, defeating the resurgent, far-right AUR movement that questions the country's pro-Western orientation, according to an exit poll by CURS.

IN Romania Parliamentary elections were held on Sunday, in which 330 deputies and 136 senators were elected. This is another important vote in the country recently. On Monday, a decision will be made to invalidate or approve the results of the first round of the presidential elections that took place on November 24. In the first round, Calin Georgescu, a representative of the extreme right, running as an independent candidate, unexpectedly won.

“His unexpected victory sparked support for ultranationalist, far-right parties, some of which have overt pro-Russian sympathies, which analysts say could undermine Romania's support for Ukraine,” Reuters comments.

Parliamentary elections in Romania PAP/EPA

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Exit poll

According to survey exit pollwon in Sunday's elections Social Democratic Party (PSD) gaining 26 percent of the votes. The second one is the radical right-wing AUR with support 19 percent voters.

They occupy the next positions National Liberal Party (PNL)which received – according to exit polls – 15.9 percent., and center-right USRdirected by Elena Lasconi (15.6 percent.).

Parliamentary elections in Romania PAP/EPA

There were also two forces above the threshold, representing the extreme right – SOS Romania party (5.4%) and Young People's Party (5.4%)who declared support for Calin Georgescu before the elections.

Party of the Hungarian minority UDMR has in the survey 5 percent., which is exactly the same as the electoral threshold.

The cited exit poll publishes data from 19 (6 p.m. in Poland), two hours before the end of voting and do not apply to the diaspora. There is therefore a risk that the final results – as was the case with the first round of the presidential elections – may differ significantly from the exit polls. The poll conducted at the exit of the polling stations does not take into account the diaspora, which voted extremely actively in these elections, which may significantly affect the results.

The results of the parliamentary elections based on the exit poll indicate that about 60 percent “traditional” and pro-Western parties can count on seats in parliament, and the radical right gained about 30 percent, tripling its share compared to the previous composition of parliament (the AUR party won 9 percent in 2020).

“Social Democrats will have to wait to celebrate”

If the exit polls are confirmed, the pro-Western coalition led by the PSD will have enough seats to form a government, although in this arrangement the far right would also constitute a significant force in parliament, notes Reuters.

“This wasn't supposed to happen.” A pro-Russian politician won the first round of the presidential elections in RomaniaJakub Loska/Fakty o Åšwiecie TVN24 BiS

Reuters adds that creating a broad coalition will be quite a challenge considering the differences between the groups regarding the steps needed to control the huge budget deficit country, which is currently the highest in the EU and amounts to 8 percent of GDP.

– Social Democrats will have to wait a few more days to celebrate, said Romanian political commentator Radu Magdin. According to him, a coalition between the PSD and centrist parties “is more likely than with extremists who are like hot potatoes.” – Much depends on who will become president – he added.

It is the head of state who appoints the head of government, and “the timetable for this process is unclear,” notes Reuters.

In the first round of the presidential elections, Social Democratic Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu came third.

Romania, protests after the first round of the presidential electionsROBERT GHEMENT/EPA

Main photo source: PAP/EPA



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