Romania’s right-wing extremist party expects gains in the parliamentary elections

Romanians will take part in a parliamentary election later on Sunday, with the far-right expected to benefit from uncertainty over whether the surprise result of a presidential election will stand.

Gains by far-right groups in Sunday’s parliamentary vote, after a campaign dominated by voters’ concerns about budget problems and the cost of living, could upend Romania’s pro-Western orientation and undermine support for Ukraine, political analysts say.

“People who quietly voted for Georgescu are not aware that we are essentially talking about a complete change of course,” said political scientist Cristian Pirvulescu.

Romania is a member of the European Union and NATO.

Georgescu’s unexpected victory last Sunday raised suspicions of meddling in the election campaign, triggered a vote recount and led to a losing candidate asking the country’s highest court for a repeat of the first round of voting.

The confusion means parliamentary elections are taking place and voters are uncertain whether the presidential election result will stand in the first round.