Far Right Targets Breakthrough In Romania Presidential Vote
Faizan Hashmi Published November 24, 2024 | 05:40 PM
Bucharest, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Nov, 2024) Romanians voted Sunday in the first round of a presidential election amid a surge in inflation and fears over the war in neighbouring Ukraine that could favour far-right leader George Simion.
The vote kicks off two weeks of elections in the poor NATO member country, including a parliamentary vote and a December 8 presidential run-off.
Social democrat Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu is leading a field of 13 contenders in the race to take over from President Klaus Iohannis in the largely ceremonial post. Ciolacu has about 25 percent support in opinion polls, followed by AUR leader Simion on 15 to 19 percent.
Ciolacu, whose Social Democratic Party (PSD) has shaped the country's politics for more than three decades, promised stability and a "decent" standard of living as he voted Sunday.
Simion, 38, has seen his popularity surge by tapping into voter anger over record inflation -- 10% last year and 5.5% predicted for 2024 -- while promising more affordable housing.
Looking for a new election breakthrough for European far-right parties, he warned of possible "fraud" and "foreign interference" when voting. But he added: "I am happy that we are giving Romanians hope and the prospect of a better future."
Simion is targeting people like Rodica, a 69-year-old who was among the first to vote in Bucharest's chilly sunshine. The pensioner, who would not give a family name, was afraid of the Ukraine war and wanted "better living conditions and peace".
Andrea Irimie, a 29-year-old teacher, was also concerned about Ukraine and said she wanted "change".
The stakes are high for Romania, which has a 650-kilometre (400-mile) border with Ukraine and has become more important since Russia invaded its neighbour in 2022.
The Black Sea nation now plays a "vital strategic role" for NATO -- as it is a base for more than 5,000 soldiers -- and the transit of Ukrainian grain, the New Strategy Center think tank said.
