Calin Georgescu – a critic of NATO who opposes arming Ukraine – has surged into the lead, stunning mainstream candidates in the presidential vote.
Romanian nationalist Calin Georgescu has surprised observers by likely topping the first round of the country’s presidential election, according to early results.
With nearly 100% of the ballots counted, in the early hours of Monday, Georgescu, who has gained traction for his anti-Ukraine war stance, holds 22.91% of the vote, ahead of sitting Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu with 19.19%.
Georgescu has been a vocal critic of Bucharest’s role in the ongoing Ukraine conflict, arguing that NATO and the EU do not represent Romanian interests and suggesting that the war is being manipulated by US defense companies. An ultra-religious and nationalist figure, he has campaigned on reducing Romania’s reliance on imports and boosting domestic food and energy production.
The shock result has upended expectations that Elena Lasconi – billed as a reformer – would make it into the runoff. She now narrowly trails at 19.14%. Far-right candidate George Simion, also considered a strong contender, lags behind with 13.87%.
The final composition of a second round runoff is still uncertain as further ballots are counted.
Georgescu’s views have struck a chord with a significant portion of the electorate, but have also drawn heavy criticism, particularly for his past support of Romania’s 20th-century fascist Legionary Movement.
A relative political outsider, he has leveraged social media platforms such as TikTok to rally voters, capitalizing on dissatisfaction with the political establishment. He has garnered a sizable following, particularly among those disillusioned with the current government’s foreign policy.
Voter turnout for the election was 52.5%, slightly higher than in the 2019 presidential race. The second round of voting is scheduled for December 8, following Romania’s parliamentary elections next Sunday.
