Romanians are once again gripped by political uncertainty following the surprising first-round victory of Călin Georgescu, a little-known but controversial candidate, in the presidential elections held on November 24, 2024. Georgescu's win, where he garnered nearly 23% of the votes, has sparked widespread protests across Romania, particularly among the youth. These demonstrations are significantly shaped by his far-right, pro-Russian stance and the anticipation of his possible impact on Romania's foreign policy.
Over 1,000 young people rallied at University Square, Bucharest’s city center, hoisting banners and chanting pro-European slogans like “Putin, don’t forget, Romania is not yours.” Their sentiments echo deep concerns about Georgescu's potential agenda as he prepares for a runoff election against pro-Western candidate Elena Lasconi on December 8. Lasconi, who lead her party, the Save Romania Union, with approximately 19% of the vote, is viewed as the last line of defense against the far-right ascendance.
Georgescu’s campaign was unconventional, leveraging TikTok to reach demographics traditionally less engaged with political content. His approach, mirroring viral marketing strategies, has drawn both intrigue and skepticism. Political analysts highlight this unique aspect of his campaign; primary outreach happened on social media rather than through traditional canvassing. According to Eusebiu Slavitescu, former diplomat and advisor, “It was more of a victory of the TikTok algorithms than anything else,” indicating the political significance of new media platforms.
The 62-year-old candidate's comments have raised eyebrows, particularly as he has been noted for making anti-NATO and anti-Semitic statements. Such rhetoric raises alarms among both citizens and international observers about the potential shift toward Moscow's influence. Georgescu has called NATO’s missile defense presence “a shame of diplomacy” and has been caught praising Vladimir Putin, fostering outrage among many who see this as betrayal of Romania’s longstanding pro-European orientation.
Adding to the tension, Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu has expressed concerns over the legitimacy of Georgescu’s campaign strategy. Following his defeat, Ciolacu initiated discussions calling for investigations related to the legalities surrounding Georgescu’s social media outreach and campaign funding. The Prime Minister’s resignation, spurred by the shocking electoral outcome, has left the political future of the ruling Social Democratic Party (PSD) hanging by a thread.
Protesters continue to assert their voices across major cities. Many young Romanians fear the country's historical alignment with the West could be jeopardized as Georgescu’s policies may echo those of Hungary's Viktor Orbán, leaning toward nationalism and isolationism. Demonstrators describe their need to act as protectors of Romanian democratic principles, making it clear they do not view Georgescu as an advocate for their future.
Public reactions to Georgescu’s electoral victory reveal deep divisions within Romanian society. Some Romanians view him as a refreshing alternative to the established political elite, arguing he gives voice to frustration over socioeconomic issues and past corruption scandals. Others express deep fears about his ties to extremist ideologies and Russia’s growing ambitions in Eastern Europe.
Citizens have turned to creative forms of resistance. Viral social media campaigns, artistic expressions, and grassroots organizing signal the fervor with which the opposition is approaching the imminent runoff election. The pro-democracy arguments are prevailing particularly among educated and urban youth, who grew up with greater access to global perspectives, bury four decades of post-communism struggles.
The stakes are high for this runoff. Should Georgescu win, critics worry Romania's commitment to NATO and the European Union could be radically reconsidered, reversing decades of foreign policy. With Russia’s war against Ukraine still firmly at the forefront of international discourse, the outcome of the vote is seen not only as pivotal for Romania but also as indicative of broader trends across Central and Eastern Europe.
International observers are cautiously watching the situation, noting the high potential for unrest should the election not align with the pro-European sentiments prevalent among most Romanians. Local and national authorities have increased their presence at protests, attempting to contain demonstrators and prevent violent confrontations.
The pro-Western candidates and their supporters remain hopeful, intensifying their efforts to unify against Georgescu’s growing acceptance among the populace. The pro-democracy block is utilizing the coming days to bolster their outreach and finalize plans for the runoff. This situation has the potential to redefine Romania’s foreign policy and domestic ethos for years to come.
What happens next remains to be seen. With only days to go before the runoff, the youth’s passion for democratic values will be tested. Whether they can mobilize successfully against Georgescu will have significant and lasting repercussions for their country.
