Romanian leftists and centrists win parliamentary election as court ruling on presidency looms

Romanian leftist and centrist parties have reportedly won the parliamentary election, countering a rise in nationalist support. The ruling Social Democrat party received 22.4% of the votes, while the far-right Alliance for Uniting Romanians garnered 18.2%. Attention now shifts to a court ruling on the presidential election results from November 24. The Constitutional Court will decide whether to validate the results, which could lead to a runoff between far-right candidate Calin Georgescu and center-right contender Elena Lasconi on December 8. The outcome of the presidential race will influence government formation, as the president appoints the prime minister. Far-right parties, which collectively received over 30% of the vote, may have a chance to form a government depending on the court's decision.