Romanian leftist Social Democrats take lead in parliamentary vote

Leaders of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) react to the publication of the first exit polls of the legislative election, in Bucharest, Romania December 6, 2020. Inquam Photos/Sabin Cirstoveanu via REUTERS

BUCHAREST (Reuters) - Romania's opposition Social Democrats (PSD) have taken the lead in vote-counting after elections seen as pivotal for determining the country's future in the European mainstream, partial results showed on Monday - but they are unlikely to be part of the next government.

The PSD, which rode a wave of voter discontent over the coronavirus pandemic and the minority Liberal government's pledges of fiscal restraint, may not have enough support to form a functioning majority against incumbent Prime Minister Ludovic Orban.