The PSD, led by PM Marcel Ciolacu, garnered 26% of the vote, ahead of the far-right Alliance for Uniting Romanians (AUR), which surged to 19%, the poll showed.
The high results of the right wing reflect a shifting political landscape following last month’s presidential election, where independent far-right candidate Călin Georgescu emerged as the frontrunner.
Georgescu’s rise has fueled momentum for ultranationalist and hard-right parties, some of which have overtly pro-Russian leanings.
The PSD currently holds 32.5% of parliamentary seats, compared with AUR’s 8.5%, showing the far-right party’s ascent amid voter frustration over soaring living costs and allegations of corruption and infighting among mainstream political groups.
Concerns Over Far-Right Influence
Georgescu’s unexpected prominence has bolstered ultranationalist rhetoric, particularly among groups critical of Romania’s Western alliances. While the PSD maintained its lead, the hard-right’s growing influence poses challenges for pro-EU forces in the country.