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NL Romania: A greater role within NATO and rise of the far right
The Ukraine crisis also puts Romania in the spotlight as part of the NATO eastern front. The Romanian government is taking a diplomatic but firm stance. On the contrary, the same government is adrift domestically due to a power struggle within the coalition. A far-right party is taking advantage of this.
New Romanian government after struggle for power
A new coalition government appears to have been clinched in Romania. The smaller, progressive coalition partner disappears and a large, conservative partner comes to rule with the Liberals. This new coalition emerges after six months of power struggles within the Liberal Party (PNL).
Justice in Romania: Will the country remain under EU control?
Since joining the EU in 2007, Romania has been under increased scrutiny by the European Commission. This is done with the so-called Cooperation and Verification Mechanism. Bulgaria was also subject to this until 2019, until the Commission thought enough was enough. Neighbouring Romania was on the right track, then took an odd turn, but now seems to be back on a better track. This is evident from two recent signals.
New government squabbles, results stall
Progressive Romanians had hoped some things would change after the December 2020 elections. Less nepotism and empty promises, more follow-through. Those hopes have so far proved vain.
Romania: Sluggish start to new government
While corona vaccinations in Romania are running smoother than expected, ambitious plans by the government are lagging behind. A lot of European money needs to be spent in the coming budget period, but it is uncertain whether there is the administrative capacity to do so. And then Romania is also still struggling with corruption.
With mouthpiece to ballot in Romania
After the summer, the number of coronavirus infections in Europe increased again. Romania is no exception. The number of infections is rising, and the number of deaths is high compared to other EU countries. Schools have also now started again and elections are imminent.
Romania in corona time: as of 15 May, things are loosening up again
When a state of emergency was declared in mid-March and the president started ruling by military ordinance (because that was now the term), many a Romanian became distressed. It was agreed that strict measures would only help if they were firmly enforced. With the state of emergency expiring on 15 May, people are holding their hearts.
Victory for incumbent president Romania
Klaus Iohannis gets a new mandate with two-thirds of the votes in the second round of Romania's presidential elections. His opposing candidate, Viorica Dăncilă of the former Communists, is not giving in to pressure to resign as PSD party leader for the time being.
An exciting contest: presidential elections Romania
On 10 November, Romanians will vote for a new president. The election campaign has begun and the playing field is wide. For the first time, a candidate from the progressive USR is running for the presidency.
Substantial changes in Romanian political landscape after European Parliament elections
Turnout was high on 26 May, nearly 50 % of Romanians went to vote. The largest coalition partner, PSD, got over 23 % of the vote, about half compared to the previous national parliamentary elections. An alliance of two new pro-Europe and anti-corruption parties came in at nearly 20 %. The liberal party PNL became the largest with nearly 27 %.
