Pro-Russia Candidate Georgescu Leads Romanian Election with 22%; Ciolacu Trailing as Runoff Looms

Nov 25, 2024, 02:34 AM

On November 24, 2024, Romania held the first round of its presidential election, resulting in a surprising lead by far-right, pro-Russian candidate Calin Georgescu, who secured over 22% of the votes. Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, the pro-European incumbent expected to win, is trailing with around 20%. With over 98% of votes counted, Georgescu and Ciolacu are likely to face each other in a runoff election scheduled for December 8. Georgescu's unexpected surge, described as a political earthquake, signifies a potential shift in Romania's political landscape. His campaign focused on ending Romania's "subservience" to the EU and NATO, and he has criticized military aid to Ukraine.