Romania's Constitutional Court clears way for second-round presidential vote

By Farah Garayeva
December 3, 2024 12:14
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Reuters

Romania's Constitutional Court has dismissed a petition by presidential candidate Cristian Terhes to annul the results of the first round of the presidential election, clearing the way for a potential second-round vote next Sunday.

The court's decision comes amid heightened political tensions, with the results of Sunday’s parliamentary elections revealing no clear majority for any party, further complicating the country's already complex political situation.

A final ruling from the Constitutional Court is expected on Tuesday, which will confirm whether the second round of the presidential election proceeds as planned. If confirmed, the runoff could exacerbate Romania's political divisions.

While Terhes may not have secured first place in the parliamentary elections, there was optimism at the headquarters of the far-right Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), where supporters celebrated what leader George Simion described as a "vindication" and a "victory for the right." Simion’s party has gained significant momentum, reflecting growing disillusionment with Romania’s traditional political establishment.

At the headquarters of the ruling Social Democratic Party (PSD), however, the mood was more subdued. Party leaders acknowledged the challenges ahead, as forming a new coalition government would require significant policy concessions. Negotiations are expected to be difficult and may prolong political uncertainty.

For supporters of the progressive Save Romania Union (USR), the timing of the elections has sparked frustration. Romania’s decision to hold parliamentary elections between the two rounds of the presidential vote has drawn criticism for creating confusion and limiting time for proper debate.

"I think it was a bad experiment from the side of the government to hold parliamentary elections between the two rounds of the presidential elections, because it creates a lot of confusion and chaos and parliamentary elections deserve much more debate," said Alina Girbea, a USR supporter.

The USR's candidate is seen as particularly vulnerable to voter fatigue, with some fearing that holding three elections in two weeks could negatively impact turnout among their base.

The parliamentary vote also highlighted the growing influence of far-right and nationalist rhetoric in Romania. Calin Gorgescu, a candidate known for his anti-NATO and anti-EU stance, performed strongly, with more than 2 million Romanians voting for far-right candidates.

Political consultant Raul Olajos sees this as a reflection of deep dissatisfaction with establishment parties.

"We have to recognise that more than 2 million Romanians voted for a far-right candidate who has strong popular support. After all, the reality is that many Romanians are not satisfied at all with the traditional establishment Romanian parties," he said.

As Romania moves toward a likely second round of the presidential election, the political landscape remains fractured. The results of both the parliamentary and presidential elections highlight the country's deep divisions, with no easy path to consensus.

The coming week will be crucial for Romania's future, as the Constitutional Court's final decision and subsequent coalition talks will shape the nation's political direction for years to come.

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