Governance and citizenship

The second round of the local elections in Romania took place last Sunday on the 15 of June 2008. In the capital, Bucharest, the independent candidate Sorin Oprescu has won. Bucharest is traditionally a stronghold of the Liberal.Democrat Party (PDL).

 

Sorin Oprescu left the Social Democratic Party (PSD) when it failed to nominate as candidate for the Bucharest mayorship.

 

According to provisional results, the PSD has won in around 30% of the country's local authorities, with the PDL coming close second.

 

At the county (region) level, the Social Democratic Party (PSD) won 17 mandates of County Councils presidents followed by the Democrat Liberal Party (PDL) with 13 presidents of County Councils, and the National Liberal Party (PNL) with 5 County Council presidents.

 

The election was seen as important on several accounts: it was the first local elections since Romania joined the EU, mayors and local councillors have access to EU funds, et for the first time in local elections Romanians could vote for individual candidates rather for lists.

 

The Romanian government's website (in English, Romanian and French)