BUCHAREST – Romania’s outgoing President Klaus Iohannis expressed optimism on Sunday that he would soon be able to designate a prime minister from a pro-European governing majority, following the return of the ruling Social Democrats to coalition talks.
The political situation in Romania has been tumultuous after a far-right, pro-Russian politician unexpectedly won the first round of presidential elections on November 24. This result was annulled by the country’s top court due to concerns about possible Russian interference, with a re-run of the vote expected in early 2025.
Despite the chaos, Iohannis remained confident, stating, “Negotiations continue today and I am optimistic that I will be in a position to designate a prime minister after parliament votes the leaders of its two chambers.” The ruling Social Democrat Party (PSD) emerged as the largest party in the December 1 parliamentary elections, but the vote also saw three ultranationalist and far-right groups—some with pro-Russian leanings—secure more than a third of the seats.
In response to the threat of far-right influence, the PSD, along with the center-right Liberals (PNL), centrist Save Romania Union (USR), the ethnic Hungarian party UDMR, and representatives of ethnic minorities, began negotiating a coalition government. However, these talks have been complicated by disagreements over necessary budgetary reforms to address Romania’s EU-largest budget deficit.
The PSD briefly withdrew from coalition talks on Thursday, an action some analysts suggested was a tactic to expedite negotiations. The party has since returned to the table, although the USR has been excluded and will join the opposition.
Iohannis confirmed that negotiations between the PSD, PNL, UDMR, and minority representatives were nearing completion, expressing hope that a stable government would soon be formed. Iohannis’ term officially ended on December 21, but he will remain in office until a new president is elected. Notably, the three ultranationalist parties involved in the elections declined to attend the ongoing coalition talks.