Romania is gearing up for one of its most consequential presidential elections yet, with the first round turning heads across Europe. Calin Georgescu, the unexpected far-right candidate, surged to the forefront of the political scene, leading the preliminary vote with nearly 23% of the ballots. His rise has left many wondering what the future holds for Romania, particularly concerning its international alliances and domestic policies.
Georgescu, as noted, is not your typical politician. At 62 years old, he proudly wears multiple hats: he’s been described as a judo black belt, marathon runner, and, intriguingly, has previously held significant government positions, including at the United Nations. He calls himself an outsider, distancing himself from the more centrist political parties, and appealing vehemently to traditional values, family structures, and Romanian Orthodox Christian ideologies.
On December 8, he will face Elena Lasconi, the center-right contender, who finished the first round with just over 19% of the popular vote. Lasconi is promising to uphold Romania's long-standing support for Ukraine and sees Georgescu's policies as detrimental, warning they could lead to significant shifts away from the West and destabilization within the region.
But what makes Georgescu's campaign particularly controversial is his position on NATO and his flattering remarks toward the Russian president. He has openly criticized Ukraine’s leader, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, calling him neither „elegant” nor patriotic. Instead, Georgescu argues for dialogue with Russia, raising eyebrows within NATO, where Romania has been considered a staunch ally.
Security experts and EU diplomats alike are increasingly alarmed at the prospect of Georgescu winning the presidency. His past glorification of historical figures tied to Romania's fascist movements, along with his evident pro-Russian stance, poses serious questions for NATO allies. One EU diplomat candidly described the idea of Georgescu taking office as potentially disastrous for both Romania and broader European security.
To add fuel to the fire, Georgescu's approach mirrors those of several far-right populist movements sprouting up across Eastern Europe. Just as these movements are taking root amid economic dissatisfaction, including inflation which has been relatively high, many fear Georgescu could steer Romania away from necessary reforms and international commitments.
Portugal's former NATO spokesperson, Oana Lungescu, emphasized Romania’s role as key to security within Europe, cautioning, "Any policy and any political actor changes risks not just affecting Romania but also destabilizing the Euro-Atlantic space."
Interestingly, Georgescu's popularity does not seem only based on his political potential but also on his social media strategy. He has utilized platforms like TikTok and YouTube to reach younger voters, launching campaign videos emphasizing nationhood, family, and church. This connects to traditions cherished by many Romanians, particularly those who feel alienated by traditional party politics.
Throughout the election campaign, he has capitalized on dissatisfaction with established leaders and persistent issues like inflation, which, though down to 4.7% recently, remains the highest rate across Central and Eastern Europe. This economic anxiety intersects with cultural concerns, as many voters are anxious about immigration and external influences, making Georgescu’s anti-immigrant rhetoric resonate with his supporters.
So what can we expect for the upcoming runoff? The political dynamics are tense. With Lasconi firmly advocating for Ukraine's cause and standing by Romania's commitments to NATO, this election could very well redefine Romania’s international relationships. Should Georgescu win, his influence over military policy, foreign relations, and economic stability will be monumental.
The stakes are high, and the world watches as Romania ponders the balance between preserving historical alliances and moving toward more isolationist, far-right ideologies. His critics suggest such a shift could undermine years of progress toward Euro-Atlantic integration.
Regardless of the outcome, this election epitomizes the cautious tug-of-war between long-held alliances and the pressing desire for internal change and national sovereignty. The way forward remains uncertain, but with the date of the runoff quickly approaching, the entire region waits with bated breath over Romania's potentially historic electoral decision.
