Far-Right Candidate Georgescu Leads Romania's Presidential Election

• Nov 25, 2024

Far-right independent candidate Calin Georgescu has unexpectedly taken the lead in Romania’s presidential election, securing 22.74% of the votes in the first round after 99.25% of polling station reports were counted. This outcome shocked observers as pre-election polls predicted Georgescu would place around sixth.

The race for second place—and the chance to face Georgescu in the second round on December 8—remains tight. Social Democratic Party (PSD) candidate and Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu holds 19.36% of the vote, while Union Save Romania (USR) reformist candidate Elena Lasconi trails closely with 19.01%. The deciding votes are still being tallied, primarily from Romanian citizens voting abroad. While Ciolacu is unlikely to gain significant support from these ballots, it remains uncertain whether Lasconi’s expected gains will be enough to secure her a spot in the runoff.

Georgescu’s rise has thrown Romanian politics into turmoil. If he wins the second round, it could trigger a significant political crisis. His lead has been attributed to a combination of public dissatisfaction with mainstream political parties and his ability to engage disenchanted voters through nationalist rhetoric and social media platforms like TikTok. Georgescu’s message, often critical of the national and global establishment, resonates with voters frustrated by the two ruling parties, the PSD and the National Liberal Party (PNL).

The PNL, which anticipated a stronger performance, is already facing internal upheaval. Party leader Nicolae Ciuca resigned after failing to secure a spot in the second round. Similarly, a loss by Lasconi could lead to leadership changes within USR.

Georgescu’s pro-Russian and far-right ideologies, reminiscent of the Iron Guard, have drawn both domestic and international concern. Despite his controversial stance against NATO and the EU, Georgescu has gained significant traction, particularly among voters disillusioned by Romania’s current political establishment. His campaign, marked by themes of nationalism and Orthodox Christian mysticism, has effectively mobilized a broad base of support.

As Romania prepares for the second round of elections, the results of this first round also signal trouble for the PSD and PNL in the December 1 parliamentary elections. Together, their candidates received only 30% of the votes, slightly less than the two nationalist candidates. This could pave the way for far-right parties like the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) and SOS Romania to play a significant role in shaping the country’s political future.

Georgescu’s unexpected success underscores the shifting dynamics of Romanian politics and the growing appeal of far-right populism among voters seeking change.