Romania’s anti-reformists will frustrate change

Significance

Chronic infighting is preventing the government from dealing with basic challenges and honouring its commitment to restore judicial independence. Personalities, inter-party turf wars and the renewed politicisation of justice are driving the disputes. Unless they abate, the Citu government is unlikely to last long.

Impacts

• Introversion and disarray at the top of government are eroding Romania’s international standing as tensions rise in the Black Sea region.
• The coalition may struggle to agree a strategy for spending funds from the EU’s recovery fund.
• The former communist PSD, which left office in 2019, is likely to continue to regain popularity.