Romanian Pro-European Parties Form Coalition Government

Romania's pro-European political factions have united to form a coalition government aimed at countering the influence of far-right nationalists, specifically targeting the recently successful independent candidate Calin Georgescu. The coalition includes the Save Romania Union (USR), the National Liberal Party (PNL), the Social Democratic Party (PSD), and the ethnic Hungarian UDMR, who plan to support a common candidate for the upcoming presidential election. The recent elections were marred by allegations of Russian interference, leading to the annulment of the runoff vote set for December 8. With President Klaus Iohannis stating that a new election date will be announced after the coalition takes office, the coalition's primary goals are to reduce bureaucracy and implement reforms. Additionally, the formation of this coalition aims to prevent a nationalist victory, as the public sentiment is divided between pro-European interests and a desire to revert to Russian influence. The political landscape continues to evolve as coalition talks progress, with the urgency to stabilize Romania's democracy in the face of rising nationalism.