Calin Georgescu, the independent far-right candidate, achieved a surprising victory during the first round of Romania's presidential election, held this past Sunday, November 24, 2024. With about 99 percent of the ballots counted, Georgescu received 22.9 percent of the vote, surpassing Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, who ended up third with only 19.15 percent. This election marks the first time in 35 years the dominant political parties—Social Democrats (PSD) and National Liberals (PNL)—did not send their candidates through to the final round.<\/p>
Many had anticipated Ciolacu's victory, as various exit polls indicated he was comfortably leading the race. To everyone's surprise, Georgescu, often considered a fringe candidate, capitalized on social media trends, particularly launching impactful TikTok campaigns. His key themes included criticism of financial aid to Ukraine and skepticism of Romania's role within NATO. Georgescu declared, "Tonight, the Romanian people cried out for peace" shortly after the results were announced, showcasing his political stance as reflective of the broader sentiments among some voters.<\/p>
This electoral outcome not only shocked political observers but also signaled significant dissatisfaction within the Romanian electorate, particularly concerning inflation and the dynamics of the European Union. Georgescu's rise reflects changing tides, with many citizens feeling disconnected from the traditional political frameworks.
Following Georgescu's lead was Elena Lasconi, the center-right mayor of the small town where she captured about 20.9 percent, indicating her competitive positioning against both Ciolacu and Georgescu. This narrow margin between Lasconi and Ciolacu—less than 15,000 votes—suggests potential for shifts as final ballots from abroad and major urban centers like Bucharest are still being counted. Notably, votes from regions with larger urban populations tend to favor reformist candidates like Lasconi.
Georgescu's campaign, which emphasized nationalist themes, gained traction through his presence on platforms like TikTok, where he effectively engaged with younger demographics. This strategy contrasts starkly with traditional campaign methods utilized by larger parties, which primarily focused on established media channels. According to analyst Cristian Pirvulescu, the results point to the far-right being the clear winners of the election. He acknowledged the results sent shockwaves across Romania, indicating significant fragmentation within both society and the political class.
For nearly three decades, the PSD has been integral to Romanian politics. Yet, as dissatisfaction with both PSD and PNL grows, illustrated by the data showing the two parties only securing about 30 percent of the total vote, the success of Georgescu and Lasconi conversely showcases burgeoning support for alternative movements. The upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for December 1, Romania's National Day, could very well alter the political framework as voters express their disapproval of the status quo.
Georgescu’s success also has international ramifications, particularly concerning Romania's foreign policy positions as it relates to NATO and its support for Ukraine. Romania, which shares over 650 kilometers of border with Ukraine, plays a pivotal role within NATO's eastern strategy and has been a staunch ally for Ukraine since the Russian invasion began. Critics express concern over Georgescu's pro-Russian sentiments, which challenge the country's existing relationships.
Overall, the outcome of this election illuminates deep-seated factors influencing Romanian politics, including rising nationalism, critiques of the European Union, and severe economic challenges affecting voter priorities. Amidst concerns over inflation and regional stability, the path forward for Romanian governance appears more uncertain, marked by the potential for radical shifts and heightened dialogue over the nature of democracy and representation within society.
Looking forward to the December runoff, both Georgescu and likely rival Lasconi will face pivotal questions from voters concerned about Romania’s future and its international relationships. With their contrasting platforms, it remains to be seen how this election may reshape political alliances and influence national policy moving forward.
