Pro-Russian Far-Right Candidate Georgescu Leads Romanian Election with Over 22%, Faces Ciolacu in Runoff

Nov 25, 2024, 05:44 AM

Far-right, pro-Russian candidate Calin Georgescu has taken a surprising lead in Romania's presidential election, according to preliminary results with over 99% of votes counted. Georgescu, who was previously ignored by pollsters, secured more than 22% of the vote in the first round, surpassing pro-EU Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, who received 19%. He gained traction by going viral on TikTok and focusing his campaign on ending support for Ukraine. Described as an ultranationalist with anti-EU, anti-NATO, pro-Russia, and pro-fascist views, Georgescu is set to face Ciolacu in a runoff election. His unexpected lead represents a seismic shift in Romanian politics and raises concerns about the country's future alignment with Western institutions.