The former traditional parties - the Peasants' Christian and Democratic National Party, the Liberal National Party and the Democratic Social Party reappeared on Romania's political stage along with the Front of National Salvation (FSN) made up after December 1989. In 1992 the FSN broke up into two factions: the Party of the Social Democracy in Romania (PDSR) and the Democratic Party (PD). 

       Although the 1990 elections were definitely won by the FSN, in 1992 the results indicated a visible increase of the opposition political forces' popularity; in 1996 the PDSR lost political power, the elections being won by the alliance of the opposition forces, i.e. the Romanian Democratic Convention (CDR) and the PD. In 1990 and 1992 Ion Iliescu was elected president of Romania; in 1996 victory was achieved by Emil Constantinescu, the candidate of the CDR, backed up by the PD and the Democratic Union of the Magyars in Romania (UDMR).

       A factor of stability and equilibrium in South Eastern Europe, Romania has embarked upon integration within the European Union and the NATO structures. In 1993 Romania became a member of the European Council and of the Partnership for Peace - a formula of cooperation between NATO and the associate states on their way to membership.
       Steps have been taken for the transition to a market economy based on privatisation. Beginning with early 1997, significant efforts were made by the newly set up government, with Victor Ciorbea as a prime minister and its other members from the coalition between the CDR, the PD and the UDMR.

       By the end of 1997, subsequent to disagreements between CDR and PD, Victor Ciorbea was replaced by another member of the Democratic Convention, Radu Vasile, who became a prime minister in April 1998.
Romania has continued to strive towards hastening the process of economic and political reform, towards strengthening democracy and its institutions.
       

       Romania has become a potential candidate to the negotiations regarding its adhesion to the European Union.

       A strategic partnership with USA has been set up and further actions were carried on towards Romania’s admission within NATO.