Romanian government coalition parties reached an agreement on Thursday, July 4, 2024 to hold upcoming elections over three consecutive weekends following extensive negotiations and tensions over the electoral schedule. The news was broken by Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and Senate President Nicolae Ciuca of the National Liberal Party (PNL). They announced that the first round of presidential elections will take place on November 24, with the second round on December 8. Meanwhile, parliamentary elections will be held on December 1, Romania’s national holiday.

The two leaders emphasized that the schedule took into account the opinions of opposition parties after consultations earlier in the week. 

The timing of the elections has sparked significant political debates in Romania, especially after the PNL previously blocked setting the presidential elections for September, despite earlier agreements within the coalition. The decision reflects tactical and political considerations, reinforced by a separate law passed in parliament to allow for earlier presidential elections.

Romania has never held elections on a national holiday before, and both November 30 and December 1 are public holidays. However, in 2024 these holidays fall on the weekend, reducing the attractiveness of an extended travel weekend and absence from voting.

Source: Kronikak.ro

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