Romanian streets fill with protesters as unexpected presidential vote shocks nation

Anti-fascist protesters gather in Romaniaʼs capital after surprise first-round presidential election results. Political uncertainty grows as country prepares for crucial parliamentary vote this weekend

November 30 2024 , 05:39 AM  •  5241 views

Romanian streets fill with protesters as unexpected presidential vote shocks nation

In a surprising turn-of-events hundreds of citizens filled Bucharests streets after an ultra-conservative candidate topped the first-round presidential vote. The demonstrators (many carrying signs and chanting anti-fascist slogans) showed their dis-agreement with the election outcome

Better to be dead than a fascist

protest placard message

The south-eastern European nation faces a double-edged political situation: the up-coming parliamentary elections on this sunday will pick both a new government and prime-minister while the presidential race remains un-finished. As a key-member of EU and NATO Romaniaʼs political path draws international attention

The timing of these back-to-back elections creates extra pressure on the democratic process; with the parliamentary vote squeezed between presidential rounds adding complexity to an already tense situation