Romania’s political landscape has been dramatically reshaped by the results of the first round of its presidential election. In a major upset that has sent shockwaves through the Eastern European nation and beyond, little-known far-right populist leader Calin Georgescu has secured a place in the decisive runoff against incumbent Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu. This unexpected outcome leaves many questioning the shifting political tides not only in Romania, but across the continent.
With 96% of the votes counted, Georgescu, an independent candidate, captured a commanding 22% of the vote, narrowly edging out Ciolacu who secured 20%. The race was particularly crowded, with around 13 candidates vying for the presidency. This unexpected victory is even more remarkable considering Georgescu’s unconventional campaign strategy, relying heavily on social media platforms like TikTok to connect with voters, demonstrating the growing influence of digital platforms in shaping political narratives.
The Romanian presidency is a powerful position, with a five-year term and significant influence over areas such as national security, foreign policy, and judicial appointments. The December 8th runoff will determine who will wield this considerable authority for the next five years. The surprising success of Georgescu, compared to the relatively poor performance of established far-right figures such as George Simion (leader of AUR, who only garnered 14.1% of the vote), raises crucial questions about the evolving political landscape.
Several factors contributed to the unexpected rise of Georgescu and the right-wing surge in Romania. The country’s struggling economy, marked by high poverty rates (the highest in the European Union) and a steep rise in the cost of living, has fueled widespread discontent and a desire for change. This economic dissatisfaction has created fertile ground for populist leaders promising radical solutions.
Georgescu himself directly addressed these economic anxieties in his post-election statement, describing the result as “an amazing awakening” of the Romanian people, directly referencing the long-standing economic uncertainty facing the nation. He capitalized on this sentiment during his campaign, promising economic solutions focused on supporting Romanian farmers, reducing import dependency, and boosting domestic energy and food production.
Beyond economic concerns, there’s a palpable sense of unease regarding the growing influence of the European Union and NATO, particularly in the context of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Georgescu’s campaign resonated with those feeling their national sovereignty is being compromised by these international bodies. His outspoken criticism of NATO’s ballistic missile defense shield in Deveselu, Romania, tapped into existing anxieties about foreign interference.
Political consultant Cristian Andrei, based in Bucharest, offered insight to the Associated Press, characterizing Georgescu’s performance as a “large protest or revolt against the establishment.” He highlighted a disconnection between the mainstream political parties and ordinary Romanians, suggesting a vacuum of strong leadership that Georgescu effectively filled. While lacking a comprehensive policy platform, Georgescu’s populist appeal, evident in his 1.6 million TikTok likes and relatable campaign imagery (church attendance, judo, running, podcasts), proved far more potent than the more traditional rhetoric of established far-right figures. His campaign strategy demonstrated a potent blend of traditional and modern political communication.
The upcoming runoff promises a tense and closely watched contest, with significant implications for Romania’s future direction and its relationship with the EU and NATO. The outcome will be a key indicator of the strength of populist movements across Europe.
