In the scenic village of Saschiz, nestled in central Romania, 83-year-old Zoica Roth expresses her deep concerns about the lack of opportunities for the younger generation. She remains skeptical about the upcoming presidential election having any significant impact on reducing the migration away from rural areas.
Roth, a farmer in Mures county, laments the absence of her children who have moved abroad in search of work. “Only during summer and Christmas do I get to see my two daughters and two sons,” she shares. “The solution, it seems, is to leave. I miss them dearly.” This sentiment resonates profoundly across the region, where dissatisfaction with Romania’s political landscape has been on the rise, mirroring a trend seen throughout Europe.
In last year’s elections, far-right leader Calin Georgescu garnered substantial support from rural communities and received 43% of votes from the Romanian diaspora. His emphasis on patriotism and faith struck a chord with many, although he is now barred from running in the rerun due to ongoing investigations. Georgescu’s policies advocated for supporting local farmers, reducing import reliance, and increasing domestic energy and food production, which many, including Roth, found appealing. However, the subsequent cancellation of the election on December 6 disillusioned Roth and others. “The choices in Sunday’s rerun don’t inspire much confidence either,” she admits, seeing little distinction among the 11 candidates.
Romania, a former communist nation until 1989, witnesses a stark contrast between urban development and rural stagnation. Approximately 45% of Romania’s 19 million inhabitants live in countryside areas, which continue to face issues such as lack of employment and infrastructure. After joining the European Union in 2007, many Romanians, including Roth’s family, sought better prospects abroad, impacting family structures across the nation. Reflecting on the past, Roth reminisces about life under communism. “There were jobs back then,” she recalls. “Now, despite my pension, the young have no choice but to leave with their belongings in search of work overseas.”
Monica Rosalea, 41, a native of Saschiz, divides her time between working the land and undertaking jobs in Germany to support her family. The economic challenges are stark. “Without work here, we are compelled to go abroad, leaving our children behind,” she states. “The money earned overseas quickly evaporates given the high cost of living.” Previously, she cast her vote for Georgescu. This year, however, she feels uncertain about whom to support. “There are no real choices,” she concedes.
Statistics from the EU’s Eurostat agency emphasize challenges: in 2023, rural unemployment in Romania is the highest in the EU, with only 61% of working-age individuals in employment. Although youth unemployment rates have generally declined across the EU, Romania’s rural regions face an upward trend. Alexandra Todea, a 23-year-old working at a local preserves factory, was moved by Georgescu’s vision for rural potential, offering hope for improvement. “If the state supported us young people, perhaps we wouldn’t need to leave,” she suggests. Her conviction is echoed by her 23-year-old colleague, Aliz Alamorean, who recently returned from Spain and shares confidence in Georgescu’s leadership. “The economy remains my biggest concern,” Aliz emphasizes. “If things don’t change, emigration might be my only option.”
The complex challenges of rural Romania include traditional lifestyle pressure, limited educational opportunities, and inadequate healthcare. The recent political climate sees expanding support for nationalist ideologies. A week after the first presidential vote on November 24, Alamorean gave her support to the nationalist Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR) in the parliamentary elections. AUR’s focus on “family, nation, faith, and freedom” and leader George Simion’s rising profile highlight the party’s growth. However, amidst these political dynamics, not every voice and vote from rural communities is reflected.
In the picturesque village of Floresti, faith plays a vital role in community life, offering a beacon of hope. Liliana Cosurean, 54, engages with her lush surroundings, though she acknowledges that political events have drawn divides. “There’s tension, but I hope it dissipates for the benefit of the youth,” she expresses. Remaining noncommittal about her faith in the political process, Cosurean finds comfort in the idea that faith can foster unity and resilience. “A person with faith is capable of overcoming great challenges,” she reflects.