Romanian hard-right says it wants to be part of new government

3/12/2024 19:52

        Romania's hard-right Alliance for Uniting Romanians party wants to be part of a coalition government, its leader said on Tuesday, as the nation eyes a presidential runoff vote that will decide who appoints the prime minister.
        
        Hard-right and ultranationalist parties, including AUR, saw a sharp surge in support in a parliamentary election on Sunday, and while they lack a majority they garnered more than 30% of seats in the legislature.
        
        A Constitutional Court ruling on Monday cleared the way for a presidential runoff next Sunday that will pit far-right candidate Calin Georgescu against centrist Elena Lasconi, raising the possibility that the new head of state, who appoints the government, will share AUR's views.
        
        A Georgescu win in the presidential runoff would upend Romania's pro-Western orientation and erode its backing for neighbouring Ukraine in its fight against Russia's invasion. Romania is a member of NATO and the European Union.
        
        The court had ordered a recount of the first round of the election amid concerns over interference in the electoral process, but finally validated the result.