A turn of events: Far-right Candidate Calin Georgescu ran ahead in Romania‘s presidential election. 96% of votes have been counted and the independent candidate used a platform like TikTok. He captured 22%. Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu of the Social Democratic Party stepped into his footsteps and was ranked as 21%, which will usher in a run-off on December 8.
62-year-old Georgescu is a nationalist who called for Romanian sovereignty and rejected NATO’s influence, describing the alliance’s missile defense shield in Deveselu as a “shame of diplomacy”. His surprise rise in the opinion polls has reflected a wave of populist sentiment and dissatisfaction with traditional political elites.
That is particularly the challenge Romanian pro-European candidate Ciolacu has to face – consolidation of right-wing votes, in opposition to Georgescu’s rhetoric. The line of his campaign has followed stability in the economy and stability for Romania’s status quo regarding EU and NATO priorities.
Of course, it also gives center-right candidate Elena Lasconi third place with 18% and nationalist George Simion fourth place with 14%. Turnout was at 51%, which reflects a stable involvement of voters despite economic hardship and geopolitical tensions, including the war in Ukraine which borders Moldova.
Political analysts believe that the surprise elevation of Georgescu is a protest vote against the establishment. “It’s a protest by voters who feel ignored by the rest,” said political consultant Cristian Andrei.
Romania’s next president will shape national security and foreign policy, just when a country is struggling with high inflation and general discontent. Only December 8 will decide what outcome it is going to lead Romania on: continuing the pro-Western path or adopting more isolationist tendencies as it is led by Georgescu.
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