Romania Election Sees Rise of Extremist Parties

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Translation

In the Romanian parliamentary elections, the Social Democratic Party (PSD) emerged victorious with 22.74% of the vote. The Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania (RMDSZ), a party representing the Hungarian community in Romania, secured 6.5%, reflecting an increase. The future of Hungary is significant. Seven parties, including extremists, entered the new parliament, which may lead to political changes and raises questions.

Exercise: Text comprehension

Question 1: Which party won the Romanian parliamentary elections?

The Social Democratic Party (PSD) won the Romanian parliamentary elections.

Question 2: What percentage of votes did the party representing Romanian Hungarians receive?

The party representing Romanian Hungarians, RMDSZ, received 6.5% of the votes.

Exercise: Vocabulary

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▌02/12/2024

In a significant political development, the recent parliamentary elections in Romania resulted in the victory of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), securing 22.74% of the votes, as reported with over 99% of ballots counted. Despite the win, forming a stable government remains uncertain due to a notable drop in support for the current ruling parties and the impressive gains made by multiple extremist parties.

Three extremist groups successfully entered parliament, reflecting a shift in the country's political landscape. The Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), a party known for its anti-Hungarian rhetoric, emerged as a significant force, securing 18.14% of the votes. Additionally, Calin Georgescu, a notable figure known for winning the first round of the presidential elections, collaborated with the Party of Tomorrows (POT), which achieved 6.24%. The controversial SOS Romania, led by Diana Sosoaca, known for her extreme statements, also managed to gain a foothold, winning 7.58%.

The election also saw the National Liberal Party (PNL) capturing 14.43% and the Union to Save Romania (USR) obtaining 12.03% of votes. Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania (RMDSZ) improved its position, concluding with 6.5% of the vote, a notable increase compared to previous results. This rise is attributed to widespread support from the Hungarian community in Transylvania, who actively participated in the election amidst concerns of growing extremism.

Romania Election Sees Rise of Extremist Parties (Illustration)

Peter Szijjártó, Hungary's Foreign Minister, commended the RMDSZ's performance, emphasising the significance of the party's role in ensuring that decisions are made inclusively regarding the Hungarian minority in Romania. He noted that the RMDSZ's success is pivotal for future Hungarian-Romanian relations.

Kelemen Hunor, the head of RMDSZ, expressed gratitude to the Hungarian community voters in Transylvania for their resilience and solidarity. Speaking in Cluj Napoca, he highlighted the active participation of the community, especially the older generations who remember past adversities, as a strong response to the rise of extremist threats.

These elections saw a restructuring in the Romanian parliament with seven parties securing representation, an increase from the previous five, marking the introduction of POT and SOS Romania as new parliamentary entities. This diversification indicates a notable change in voter alignment, with many turning away from mainstream parties.

The results of Romania's parliamentary elections reflect a politically dynamic environment, raising questions about the future direction of governance in the country, especially in the context of increasing extremism and its impact on minority communities.

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