Victor NEGRESCU

Vice-President of the European Parliament, member of the Budgets and Legal Affairs Committees, Vice-President of the Party of European Socialists (PES), National Coordinator of PES activists Romania, part of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats Group in the European Parliament

The recent parliamentary elections in Romania represent a pivotal moment in the country’s political development. With 52 per cent of eligible voters participating – a record turnout for parliamentary elections in the past 16 years – the electorate demonstrated heightened awareness of the importance of the legislative process in shaping Romania’s future. These elections, held between the two rounds of a high-stakes presidential race, underscore both opportunities and challenges for Romania’s democratic and European trajectory. The Social Democratic Party (PSD) emerged as the leading force, securing 22.3 per cent of the vote, but this election also ushered in a deeply fragmented parliament, with seven parties now holding seats, including three with clear anti-European platforms.

For the first time in Romania’s recent history, the new parliament reflects a striking ideological and political divide. Among the most notable developments is the rise of the far-right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR), which came in second place. Along with AUR, SOS, an overtly pro-Russian party, and POT (The Party of Young People), a controversial populist movement that campaigned primarily on TikTok with unknown and inexperienced candidates, represent a significant challenge to Romania’s European path. These three parties have amplified anti-European and anti-NATO rhetoric, adding complexity to the task of forming a stable and cohesive government.

The PSD’s position as the largest party highlights its ability to maintain voters’ trust, but the fragmented results also underscore the electorate’s dissatisfaction with the status quo. With just over one-fifth of the votes, the Social Democrats must now navigate a parliament where alliances will be crucial to passing legislation. The presence of strong extremist voices further complicates the landscape, as these parties have shown an ability to exploit public discontent and misinformation to gain traction.

The emergence of POT, in particular, signals a new frontier in political campaigning. By relying on TikTok and unconventional strategies, the party targeted younger, disillusioned voters, yet its candidate list raised eyebrows due to the absence of recognisable figures or clear policy expertise. This reflects a broader challenge for mainstream parties, including the PSD: engaging with a digitally savvy electorate while countering the risks posed by the spread of unvetted candidates and misinformation on social media platforms.

The ultra-conservative and pro-Russian agendas of SOS, AUR and POT pose a direct challenge to Romania’s commitment to its Euro-Atlantic alliances. These developments mirror trends across Europe, where far-right and populist forces have gained momentum by capitalising on social and economic anxieties.

At the same time, these elections demonstrated a strong pro-European majority, as evidenced by the performance of PSD and other mainstream parties. While ideological differences persist, these forces have signalled a willingness to collaborate in upholding Romania’s European commitments. The focus now shifts to forming a governing coalition to ensure political stability, counter extremist narratives and address pressing domestic issues.

The elections also highlight the growing impact of digital platforms on political campaigns. Social media played a central role, not only as a tool to engage voters but also as a space where misinformation thrived. The PSD and other mainstream parties must adapt to this reality, refining their strategies to connect with younger voters while addressing the risks posed by unchecked digital campaigns.

The seven-party parliament reflects a complex and polarised society, where the fragmentation of political power presents both challenges and opportunities. For Social Democrats, there is an urgent need to focus on rebuilding trust, fostering political education, and addressing citizens’ concerns about social inequality, economic uncertainty and governance. These efforts are in line with the priorities of the Party of European Socialists (PES), which emphasises the importance of unity, civic engagement and defending democratic values in an increasingly divided Europe.

The Romanian elections reflect broader European trends, where mainstream parties are increasingly tasked with countering the rise of extremism and misinformation. While the results underscore the resilience of pro-European forces, they also highlight the need for stronger alliances, clearer communication and policies that resonate with citizens across demographic groups.

The task ahead for Romania’s parliament is clear: safeguarding the country’s democratic and European path while addressing the divisions exposed during this election. This will require not only strategic leadership but also a renewed commitment to bridging gaps between voters and political institutions. In this context, Romania’s ability to navigate its complex political environment will be closely watched as a case study in resilience and adaptation within the European Union.

Photo credits: Shutterstock.com/Dragos Asaftei