Romania on the brink as far-right candidate makes historic presidential election runoff

Electoral Data Shows Calin Georgescu Ahead with 22.95% of the Vote

Georgescu Wins 22.95% of the Vote

Georgescu was ahead after nearly all ballots were counted with around 22.95% of the vote. Lasconi of the progressive Save Romania Union party, or USR, followed with 19.17%. She beat by a slim margin incumbent Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu of the Social Democratic Party, or PSD, who stood at 19.15%.

Georgescu’s Rise to Prominence

Georgescu had been polling in single digits before the vote and ran a TikTok-driven campaign. His videos on the platform are popular, amassing 1.7 million likes.

Lasconi’s Anti-Corruption Agenda

Lasconi, a former journalist and the leader of the USR, has been running on an anti-corruption reformist agenda. She told The Associated Press ahead of the vote that she saw corruption as one of the biggest problems Romania faces and expressed support toward increased defense spending and continued aid to Ukraine.

Parliament Elections

Romania will also hold parliamentary elections on Dec. 1 that will determine the country’s next government and prime minister.

President’s Role

The president serves a five-year term in the European Union and NATO member country and has significant decision-making powers in areas such as national security, foreign policy, and judicial appointments.

Concerns Over Georgescu’s Rise

Political scientist Cristian Pirvulescu said retaining control of parliament would be important for pro-Western forces to serve as a counterbalance to Georgescu if he becomes president.

Europe

Key Points

• Georgescu, an independent candidate, will face off against reformist Elena Lasconi in a runoff on December 8.

• Georgescu won around 22.95% of the vote, while Lasconi got 19.17%.

• The incumbent Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu of the Social Democratic Party came third with 19.15% of the vote.

Campaigning Focused on Soaring Cost of Living

Campaigning for the presidential election focused largely on the soaring cost of living in Romania, which is a member of the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Alliance. The country has the EU’s biggest share of people at risk of poverty.

Georgescu’s Rise to Prominence

Georgescu was previously unknown, but his TikTok-driven campaign made him popular among voters. He won 43.3% of the vote in Romania’s large diaspora, compared to Lasconi who got 26.8%.

The President’s Role and Powers

The Runoff Election

The runoff election between Georgescu and Lasconi will be held on December 8. If Lasconi wins, she will be the first female president in Romania’s history.

Georgescu’s Background

Georgescu holds a doctorate in pedology, a branch of soil science, and held different positions in Romania’s environment ministry in the 1990s. Despite not having a clear political agenda, his videos on TikTok are popular, amassing 1.7 million likes.