Romania finds itself at a political crossroads following the unexpected rise of Calin Georgescu, a far-right candidate who has surged to the forefront of the presidential election race. This shift occurred after voters delivered stunning results during the first round of the presidential elections, held on November 24, 2024. Georgescu, who ran as an independent, managed to secure approximately 22.95% of the votes, placing him at the top among the candidates and marking the first time since the end of communism 35 years ago, the dominant Social Democratic Party (PSD) failed to have its own candidate advance to the second round.
Competing against him will be Elena Lasconi, the leader of the progressive Save Romania Union (USR), who garnered 19.17% of the vote, just edging out the current Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu of the PSD, who lagged at 19.15%. This outcome sends ripples of uncertainty through Romanian politics, with the second round of voting set to take place on December 8, 2024.
Georgescu’s victory is emblematic of growing discontent among Romanian voters, many of whom feel abandoned by the current political establishment. Georgescu’s platform has attracted attention, particularly the disenfranchised elements of society. After voting, Georgescu expressed his intentions, stating, “I voted for the unjust, for the humiliated, for those who feel they do not matter and actually matter the most ... the vote is a prayer for the nation.” His rhetoric suggests he aims to present himself as the voice of the marginalized.
Interestingly, experts had predicted another far-right candidate, George Simion of the Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR), would be among the leading contenders. Contrary to expectations, Simion secured only 13.87% of the votes, which raises questions about voters’ shifting sentiments and perhaps their growing awareness of the figures vying for their support. Simion, known for his nationalist and populist messages, had positioned himself to challenge the status quo but fell short this time.
Georgescu’s political ascent has been somewhat surprising, especially considering earlier polls suggested he would finish below 10%. How he managed to attract voters, particularly from Romania’s large diaspora, where he received 43.3% of the vote compared to Lasconi’s 26.8%, is notable. This speaks to his ability to resonate beyond traditional political boundaries.
The backdrop of this political shift includes broader national concerns such as corruption, inflation, and the state of the education and health sectors. Many Romanian voters are frustrated with what they perceive as the ineffective governance of previous leaders, including the outgoing President Klaus Iohannis, who has faced criticism for his handling of the pandemic and other pressing issues. Specifically, Iohannis’ National Liberal Party is viewed by some as having lost touch with its constituency, creating fertile ground for new populist voices.
Election experts are closely monitoring the next stages, particularly the runoff, which could signify whether Romania is heading toward more radical policy changes or embracing reform through Lasconi’s commitment to anti-corruption and support for Ukraine.
Elena Lasconi, the challenger, has also framed her campaign around corruption and the need for reform, declaring corruption as one of the most pressing challenges facing Romania. She has expressed her commitment to increased defense spending and support for Ukraine, underlining the importance of NATO and EU alliances amid current geopolitical tensions.
If successful, Lasconi would make history as Romania’s first female president, which would serve as not just a moment of progress for women in Romanian politics but potentially shift the nation's political balance toward more progressive governance.
Romania's political narrative is also heavily shaped by its geographical position and the current conflict involving its neighbor Ukraine. Romania has positioned itself as a strong supporter of Ukraine, providing military assistance and aid, which remains an ever-concerning issue with potential changes looming with the upcoming U.S. presidential elections.
This election will take place concurrently with parliamentary elections on December 1, adding another layer of complexity to Romania's political future. Changes in government could inflict significant shifts on both domestic and international policies.
Georgescu's policies and platform remain largely undefined at this stage, marking him as somewhat of a wild card. His messaging on social media platforms like TikTok has garnered him significant engagement, indicating skillful navigation within the digital political space. His statements often reflect skepticism toward foreign alliances, particularly with NATO, reflecting broader sentiments found within the nationalist segments of the population.
With each candidate representing divergent approaches to Romania's future, the impending runoff presents voters with stark contrasting choices. Georgescu’s appeal lies within invoking populist sentiments and addressing the grievances of the overlooked, whereas Lasconi advocates for progress through systemic reform, aligning Romania with Europe and NATO strongly.
Georgescu has also advocated for local farmers, pledging to bolster local production and reduce reliance on imports, framing his economic vision through the lens of national sovereignty and self-sufficiency. This message can resonate deeply within rural constituencies, potentially allowing him to draw additional support from those who may have felt neglected under previous administrations.
Observers take note of how the political tides have swiftly turned, with the promising narrative of Georgescu posing significant challenges to established political norms. What remains certain is the election's potential to redefine Romania's political identity and the relationship it sustains within the European Union.
Social media's role cannot be understated. With millions of likes on his posts, Georgescu has captured the attention of many younger voters, who may feel disillusioned with traditional politics. His viral TikTok presence alongside his unpolished charm may be the ticket to appealing to both the disgruntled and those unfamiliar with the traditional political arena.
Looking forward, whether Georgescu can maintain his momentum against the concerted efforts of Lasconi and traditional party machines remains uncertain. Romanian voters appear eager for change, but uncertainty lies over whether they will embrace Georgescu’s populism or allow Lasconi’s reformist agenda to prevail.
