Rural Romania Embraces Faith and Nationalism as Presidential Election Restage Nears: Workers Find Solace in Religion and Patriotism before Repeat Polling

In the heart of central Romania, 83-year-old Zoica Roth laments the dearth of opportunities for the younger generation and doubts the upcoming presidential election will make a difference in stalling the exodus from the countryside.

"I've got four kids, I rarely see them - they're all overseas," she lamented during a chat in her courtyard in picturesque Saschiz, nestled in Mures county. "The only solution is to go... I miss them."

Frustration towards the political establishment has fueled a surge in support for far-right candidates in Romania, an EU and NATO member country, exhibiting a similar pattern observed across Europe.

Last year, the far-right front-runner, Calin Georgescu, resonated with rural communities and scored 43% of the vote among Romania's expatriates, despite being under investigation and barred from the rerun election. Georgescu's platform stressed local agricultural support, reduced import reliance, and boosted domestic energy and food production. Roth felt he was a "good one," casting aspersions on the annulled Dec. 6 election as "pretty messed up."

Unsatisfied with the options in the election rerun, Roth remains unconvinced. She remarks, "There's nothing to choose from, they're all the same."

Leaving the Countryside

Romania was communist until 1989, and rural development has lagged behind cities ever since. Out of about 19 million people, nearly 45% reside in the countryside where jobs and basic infrastructure are scarce.

Joining the EU in 2007 saw millions of Romanians, including Roth's relatives, seek better opportunities abroad, tearing families apart. Nostalgic for the past, Roth recalls life during communism as easier with jobs readily available.

Joblessness Fosters Discontent

Monica Rosalea, 41, a farmer in Saschiz, and her family struggled to put food on the table as jobs were scarce. "It's tough because there's no work, so we all go abroad," she said, echoing the sentiment of many villagers.

Rosalea's vote for Georgescu came from a shared frustration, but his disqualification left her puzzled about future voting options. "I honestly don't know who I'd vote for now. There's nobody worth a damn," she lamented.

In the 2023, employment rate in Romania's rural areas was the lowest in the EU, with just 61% of working-age people in work, according to the EU's statistics agency Eurostat. Youth unemployment continued to rise in rural areas despite a decrease in most EU countries over the past decade.

For 23-year-old Alexandra Todea, who works as a logistics administrator at a local preserves factory in Saschiz, Georgescu's message resonated with her because it offered hope that things could improve for rural areas.

"If the Romanian state supported us young people more... then there'd be no need to leave and go abroad to make something of ourselves," she said, emphasizing unrealized potential. Like many who found solace in Georgescu's promises, Todea questions the legitimacy of canceling the election, feeling robbed of her previous vote.

Aliz Alamorean, 23, returned home after living in Spain since childhood. "I didn't feel like a stranger, but I didn't feel at home either," she said, revealing plans to vote for Georgescu if he were eligible again.

"The same folks always win, and when they saw the 'wrong' one winning - they canceled it," she groused, citing the economy as her main concern. "If I see things aren't better, I'll pack my bags and go back."

Growing Nationalism

Life in rural Romania is shaped by traditions, faith, and tight-knit communities, yet challenges are far from scarce. Limited opportunities, underdeveloped schools, and inadequate healthcare lead to a sense of abandonment from the political class.

A week following the November presidential first round, nationalist sentiments surged, with Alamorean voting for the far-right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians. This party advocates for "family, nation, Christian faith, and freedom," doubling its support in the parliamentary election.

George Simion, the party leader, came fourth in last year's race and subsequently backed Georgescu, positioning himself as Georgescu's successor in the upcoming ballot. Surveys suggest he'll advance to the May 18 runoff.

Not every rural resident will exercise their voting right. Shepherd Attila Agostun, 46, who has never voted, explained that he had held a modest education and grew up with animals, focusing on his flock and never engaging in politics.

The risk of poverty or social exclusion in Romania's rural communities is 45%, 26 percentage points higher than in cities, according to Eurostat.

Faith and Hope in Rural Communities

Faith serves as the backbone of rural communities, with the Orthodox Church playing a significant role, providing hope. Liliana Cosurean, a resident of the remote village of Floresti, spoke of the harmony between her life in the countryside and faith.

"This is a little corner of paradise, where I dwell among forests and rolling hills," she said, expressing gratitude for the positive impact of slow tourism. Despite the political turmoil that divided her fellow villagers, she expressed hope for peace to prevail for future generations.

Cosurean admired Georgescu as a compassionate man with a love for God, believing he inspired trust and unity through his faith. "That might be the thing that could unite us," she mused. "Faith can move mountains... Anyone with faith can achieve greatness."

The media often covers the ongoing struggle of rural communities in Romania, where the economy and job opportunities remain scarce, leading to mass emigration.
Amidst this backdrop, Far-right candidates like Calin Georgescu, who advocate for local agricultural support and reduced import reliance, have gained significant support from the rural population.
In the fashion-and-beauty and lifestyle realm, those who remain in the countryside continue to uphold traditional values and practices, yet long for modern facilities and amenities.
The upcoming presidential elections offer little hope for many residents like Zoica Roth, as they question the credibility and effectiveness of the political class in addressing their concerns.
In contrast, younger generations like Alexandra Todea and Aliz Alamorean are drawn to unconventional candidates who promise to bring change and breach the status quo of politics and general-news.
Travel opportunities remain limited for those seeking better prospects, with fewer resources allocated to infrastructure development in rural areas.
Relationships within small, tight-knit communities are impacted by economic hardships, as families are often torn apart due to the need for one or more members to seek employment overseas.
Despite the numerous challenges faced by rural Romania, the resilience and faith of the people are evident, as they continue to hold on to hope for a brighter future amidst the ongoing war-and-conflicts, crime-and-justice, weather, and other pressures that plague their lives.