Romanian ruling parties are headed for a reckoning

Significance He will contest the presidential run-offs scheduled for December 8 against the leader of the liberal Save Romania Union (USR) Elena Lasconi. Romania faces a surge in the share of far-right legislators and the possible election of a pro-Russian president. Impacts The extent of fiscal adjustments needed to reduce the mounting budget deficit will be a key challenge facing the new government. The political crisis is unlikely to derail Romania’s full admission to the Schengen free-movement area in early 2025. A reorientation of Romania’s pro-Western foreign policy remains highly unlikely despite far-right gains.