Reuters analysis: The Liberals defeat the far right in the fight for the mayoralty of Romania's capital.

In the recent local elections, Bucharest elected a liberal mayor, Ciprian Ciucu, who obtained approximately 36% of the votes, replacing Nicușor Dan. This victory is significant, considering that Ciucu defeated Anca Alexandrescu, the independent candidate supported by the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), a far-right opposition party that received 22% of the votes. This represents a threat to the pro-European coalition, given that AUR, Alexandrescu's party, is gaining popularity nationally.

Professor Sergiu Mișcoiu emphasizes that Ciprian Ciucu's victory provides a boost to the Liberal Party and ensures the continuity of the governing coalition. In the context of the recent political crises in Romania, this election is seen as an opportunity to implement the reforms promised by the government. The next general elections in Romania are scheduled for 2028.

"There will be a change in the balance of power within the governing coalition. / This victory gives oxygen to the Liberal Party and ensures the continuation of the governing coalition," said Sergiu Mișcoiu, a professor of political science at Babeș-Bolyai University.