Romania to Rerun Presidential Election Amid Far-Right Surge

Romania‘s ruling coalition has agreed to rerun the presidential election on May 4 and May 18, following a court-ordered annulment of the previous vote due to suspicions of Russian interference and the unexpected success of a far-right candidate. The Liberal Party, part of the coalition, confirmed the decision on Wednesday, emphasizing the need to prevent the far right from gaining power.

The initial presidential election, held on November 24, was thrown into chaos when a little-known, pro-Russian far-right politician emerged as a frontrunner. This result raised alarms about potential Russian meddling, prompting Romania’s top court to invalidate the election and mandate a complete rerun. Outgoing President Klaus Iohannis will remain in office until the new election is concluded.

The coalition, which includes the Liberal Party, has pledged to endorse a single candidate to consolidate support against far-right factions. Crin Antonescu, a former Liberal leader, has been named as their candidate, though analysts suggest the coalition may reconsider its choice before the election. The decision to rally behind one candidate reflects growing concerns over the far right’s rising influence, which was evident in the December 1 parliamentary election, where ultranationalist and hard-right parties secured approximately 35% of the legislative seats.

Public dissatisfaction with mainstream parties, fueled by infighting and corruption allegations, has contributed to the far right’s gains. Additionally, crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia‘s war in neighboring Ukraine have eroded support for centrist parties. Romania’s president holds significant powers, including command of the armed forces and oversight of military aid and defense spending, making the election outcome critical for the country’s future direction.

The surge in far-right support has also raised concerns among Romania’s NATO allies. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Romania has played a key role in supporting Ukraine, including facilitating grain exports through its Black Sea port of Constanta, training Ukrainian fighter pilots, and donating a Patriot air defense system to Kyiv. The upcoming election will determine whether Romania continues its pro-Western trajectory or shifts toward a more nationalist and pro-Russian stance.

The new government is expected to approve the election calendar on Monday, setting the stage for a pivotal contest that could reshape Romania’s political landscape and its role in European and transatlantic alliances.