The political atmosphere in Romania has heightened dramatically as the nation prepares for its presidential election looming on December 8, marking the second round of voting. The unexpected rise of far-right candidate Călin Georgescu, with his unique campaign strategies and connections to social media, particularly TikTok, has spurred both national and international concerns surrounding the direction Romania might take.
Georgescu’s victory in the first round of the election was both shocking and concerning for many, including the sizeable Romanian diaspora residing outside the country. Around 150 Romanians protested recently in The Hague, voicing their apprehensions about the Election Day results and the potential ramifications of Georgescu’s candidacy for civil rights and Romania’s future as part of the European community. His ascent to prominence is often linked to his effective use of TikTok, which has become the platform of choice among younger voters.
One of the protesters, Mara Hopîrtean, underscored the fears many share about the election outcome. A student from Romania studying architecture at TU-Delft, she reflected on her fears for the future, stating, “I realized our future was in danger.” Hopîrtean’s concerns highlight the potential impact of pro-far-right policies on women, minorities, and general freedoms should Georgescu emerge victorious. Echoing this sentiment, protester Julie Chirtes emphasized the need for Romania to remain democratic and integrated with the European Union (EU) and NATO.
At the heart of this political turmoil lies not only the chance of significant changes within Romania’s domestic policy but also its geopolitical alignment. If Georgescu wins, many fear his leadership might steer Romania away from its current pro-Western stance, potentially undermining its commitments to the EU and NATO. This has raised alarms, particularly among citizens who remain hopeful for Romania's democratic processes. There is considerable worry among Romanians, both home and abroad, about rights and freedoms slipping if the far-right establishes greater power.
Georgescu’s unexpected victory has been attributed, at least partly, to the viral nature of his campaign on TikTok, where he has amassed nearly 300,000 followers. Despite claiming no party affiliation, he drew significant attention and support from youth disillusioned with mainstream political options. This tactic raised eyebrows, prompting accusations of social media manipulation and calls for investigations to establish whether his digital campaign breached any electoral norms.
“There was this running joke,” noted popular Romanian content creator Silviu Istrate, “that our president was elected on Facebook. Now, Georgescu was almost elected on TikTok.” Concerns about misinformation abound, as many analysts suggest the platform’s algorithm may have favored his posts, promoting unverified content and unmarked political messages, which could have unduly influenced voters.
With Romania’s younger population more active on TikTok compared to other social media platforms, the potential consequences of Georgescu’s ascendancy could stretch far beyond national borders, sparking debate about election fairness and transparency not just within the country but also across European political landscapes.
Following Georgescu’s win, the Romanian Constitutional Court ordered the recount of votes from the first round of elections, questioning the integrity of the electoral process. Meanwhile, TikTok faced scrutiny over its potential role in this political drama, with Romanian authorities calling for investigations to assess whether the platform’s policies on political campaigning were adhered to.
The Alliance for Uniting Romanians (AUR), which Georgescu is associated with, has also emerged recently as one of Romania’s most controversial and potent political forces. The group’s dramatic rise shifted the parliament’s political framework, capturing more than 30% of seats, amplifying discussions about the future leadership coalition Romania might form post-election. George Simion, AUR’s leader, has been vocal about the party’s aspirations to bring about significant change, distancing themselves from traditional parties like the Socialist Democrats.
Romania’s first round saw Georgescu outperforming mainstream candidates like center-right politician Elena Lasconi. With approximately 37.2% of votes cast for him versus Lasconi’s 41.7%, expectations are high for the second round, and it remains unclear how propaganda strategies will maneuver public opinion on this pivotal day.
For some young Romanians abroad, like Hopîrtean, the stakes have never been higher. The prospect of moving back to a country where democracy and human rights are at risk offers little allure. At the protest event, many expressed their determination to fight for the country’s democratic values and appealed to the Romanian populace to make informed voting decisions, stating, “This is important for us and for the future of our country.”
Georgescu’s win—not easily won through traditional campaigning channels—reflects larger trends of extreme political movements gaining traction through innovative digital engagement. The ramifications of his potential presidency could reshape not only Romania’s national identity but also its geopolitical relations signaling shifts away from Western allies. With the election day fast approaching, anxious eyes remain glued to the results, wondering whether Romania will continue on its current path or redirect toward the far-right ideology.
The anticipated second round of elections promises tension, as the potential for civil unrest looms on the horizon. An expected protest outside the Romanian embassy is planned, demonstrating solidarity and fear among citizens who have watched the erosion of democratic norms across the region over recent years. Whatever the outcomes, Romania’s political narrative is set for historic shifts as the nation grapples with the surge of the far-right.
