liliana Stancu returned to Romania in March 2024 after seven years between Spain and Germany, working in recruitment. This 36-year-old woman is now part of the campaign team of the Alliance for the Unity of Romania (AUR). For her, this conservative right-wing party, founded in 2019, represents “a hope” for Romania from which she left, “disappointed by the system and the political class”. The AUR declares itself sovereignist, but does not want to leave the European Union (EU) and NATO.
Before the legislative elections on 1 December, liliana manages relations with the Bucharest diaspora, made up of around 5 million individuals - or 20% of the population - who have left several times as the fall of communism in 1989. Like her, they were looking for decent wages and living conditions. There are more than a million of them in Italy, where they make up the largest migrant community in the country. Germany follows, with 900,000 inhabitants, while France has around 130,000.
The far right in the European Parliament
For fifteen years, Romania has opened several polling stations abroad, more than 900 in 2024. The diaspora has long supported the right against the Social democratic Party (PSD) - now accused of the country’s systemic problems -, but the trend changes in 2020, when he helps AUR enter the Romanian parliament. “Voters felt abandoned, especially during Covid, and our party was there to listen to them,” claims Liliana Stancu.
But after the creation of the AUR, considered by some to be too moderate, far-right groups followed. They also attract many voters,in Romania and abroad. The diaspora thus allowed a former AUR MP, Diana Sosoaca, the far-right candidate of SOS, to enter the European Parliament. Then,during the first round of the presidential election on November 24,43% of the 820,000 votes of Romanians abroad whent to the far-right self-reliant Calin Georgescu,compared to 23% nationwide.
A result that is partly explained by his “outsider” side and his growing popularity on TikTok – with suspicions of Russian interference. Elena Lasconi (centre-right) collects 27% of the diaspora,while the AUR candidate,George Simion,obtains onyl 12% of the votes. The latter will join Georgescu-Roegen in the second round, on 8 December. “a sovereignist” like him.
Votes “not to disappear”
Thus the AUR, also considered favored in the legislative elections where polls gave it 20%, saw its popularity decline in favor of Georgescu-Roegen. George Simion’s party has calmed down in recent months. Ramona Lovin, a diaspora coordinator for AUR who traveled throughout Europe during the campaign, sees “The vote for Georgescu-Roegen in the diaspora is above all an anti-system vote, against all the parties that have done nothing, neither for them abroad, nor to improve living conditions in Romania so that they can return. Some voters already consider us part of the system, having been in Parliament for four years.”
This 44-year-old woman, who has lived in Italy for eighteen years, sees it as a “cry of desperation” and an existential fear in a country with a declining birth rate and growing social exclusion. In response, she believes that, “in order not to disappear as a people, we must return to our Christian roots and our traditions”. According to Ramona, the diaspora “he wanted to demonstrate that it exists and that it can influence the vote”.
Calin Georgescu-Roegen, with his Eurosceptic and isolationist positions, scores high in Western Europe, which may seem contradictory. But according to analyst Sorina Soare, researcher at the University of Florence, “These voters are not necessarily anti-European, but there can be a feeling of marginalisation. The idea that Romania is treated as a “colony” by the EU often emerges among radical right candidates. the delayed entry into Schengen or the double standard on food products fuel this perception.” In the legislative elections, the vote for the radical right parties AUR, SOS and POT – the party that supports Calin Georgescu-Roegen – could confirm this trend.
What are the main challenges facing Romania’s political landscape ahead of the upcoming legislative elections?
Interview: Navigating Romania’s Political Landscape
Interviewer: (Time.news Editor): Thank you for joining us today, Liliana Stancu. It’s great to have you here, especially with the upcoming legislative elections and the unique position your party holds in Romania’s political discourse.
Liliana Stancu: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here and discuss something I am so passionate about.
Interviewer: You’ve recently returned to Romania after seven years in Spain and Germany. What motivated your decision to come back now, especially considering your experiences abroad?
Liliana: After living in two different countries, I found that my heart was still tied to Romania. I returned as I believe in the potential of my homeland. My time abroad was enlightening, but I left Romania feeling disappointed by the system and the political class.I found hope in the Alliance for the Unity of Romania (AUR), and I wanted to be part of the change I wish to see.
Interviewer: The AUR positions itself as a conservative right-wing party and has gained attention since its founding in 2019. Can you elaborate on what the party represents for you and why you consider it a hope for romania?
Liliana: AUR embodies a vision for Romania that prioritizes national sovereignty and the interests of our citizens. while we identify as sovereignist, we are committed to remaining a part of the European Union and NATO, which reflects a balanced approach. I see AUR as a voice for those who feel overlooked by the mainstream political establishment. We want to bring fresh perspectives and solutions that resonate with the Romanian peopel.
Interviewer: Managing relations with the Bucharest diaspora must be a significant obligation, especially with around 5 million Romanians living abroad. How do you approach this task, and what role do you think the diaspora plays in shaping Romania’s future?
Liliana: Absolutely, the diaspora is a critical aspect of our approach. They represent around 20% of our population and have invaluable insights, experiences, and resources. I focus on fostering engagement and interaction. we need their voices in our political dialog as they can offer perspectives that reflect both the challenges and opportunities Romania faces. We are working to ensure they feel connected to the political process and understand that their input matters in shaping policies that impact our nation.
Interviewer: With the legislative elections approaching on December 1st, what are some of the key issues AUR plans to address that resonate with both domestic and diaspora communities?
Liliana: We are committed to addressing issues that speak to the immediate concerns of our citizens, such as economic stability, healthcare, and education reform. For the diaspora, we want to tackle bureaucracy that makes it tough for them to maintain connections with home or contribute effectively. Additionally, we are advocating for the protection of Romanian culture and traditions, as we believe these are basic to our national identity.
Interviewer: As someone who has navigated both Romanian and foreign systems, what do you think are the biggest lessons that Romania can learn from other countries’ political environments?
Liliana: One significant lesson is the importance of citizen engagement in governance. In many countries, we see how active participation can lead to better policies and accountability. Moreover, effective communication and collaboration across political lines can create more robust solutions to complex problems. We need to cultivate a political culture that promotes dialogue rather than division.
Interviewer: As a part of AUR and your broader vision for Romania, what message would you like to share with those looking at Romania from both inside and outside the country?
Liliana: I want to reassure everyone that change is absolutely possible. For those in Romania, I encourage you to engage with the political process and advocate for the values and issues that matter to you. For those in the diaspora, remain connected and involved; your contributions can create ripples of change here in Romania. Together, we can build a Romania that reflects our collective hopes and aspirations.
Interviewer: Thank you, Liliana. Your insights are incredibly valuable, and we appreciate your time in sharing your viewpoint as we look forward to the elections.
Liliana: Thank you! I’m excited about what lies ahead for Romania and appreciate the platform to share our vision.