Romania votes in parliamentary election as far-right party gains support

Romanians are voting in a parliamentary election on Sunday, with the far-right Alliance for Uniting Romanians (AUR) expected to gain support amid uncertainty following a controversial presidential election. A recent poll shows AUR leading the governing Social Democrats. The presidential election's first round results are under scrutiny, with a recount requested and a court decision pending. This confusion may benefit far-right parties, as voters express dissatisfaction with the current government amid economic challenges. Calin Georgescu, the far-right presidential candidate, has criticized NATO and Romania's stance on Ukraine. The new government will face significant budget deficits and pressure to address poverty and investment needs across the country.