On 6 December, Romanians went to the polls to elect a new parliament. ALDE Party member Uniunea Salvați România (USR) ran in a coalition entitled Alianta USRPLUS with Partidul Libertății, Unității și Solidarității (PLUS). The Alianta USRPLUS placed anti-corruption and good governance to renew the Romanian state system high on its agenda.

The election turnout was one of the lowest in the country’s history, just 32%. Despite this, the Alianta USRPLUS became the third largest force securing at around 15% of the vote, after the Social Democrats (PSD) and the National Liberal Party (PNL).

This result means that the coalition could play a vital, kingmaker role during the coalition talks for the new government.

In the capital city Bucharest, Alianta USRPLUS is the largest force, and it is also the most popular force among the Romanian voters abroad. In last week’s election, a record number of 265,490 Romanians living abroad cast their vote.

ALDE Party President Hans van Baalen congratulates the Alianta USRPLUS and its leaders Dan Barna (USR) and Dacian Cioloș (PLUS) on this election result, highlighting the important role the coalition will play when the government formation begins.

More information on the results here (in Romanian)

.@aldeparty congratulates @usr_plus and its leaders @CiolosDacian and @DanBarnaUSR on becoming the 3rd political force in Romania! They will be a kingmaker and play a vital role in the new gov. to fight Covid-19, strengthen rule of law, individual liberties and eco recovery! https://t.co/wvNgQ2Lq0q

— Hans van Baalen (@hansvanbaalen) December 8, 2020