Experts predicted a far-right candidate would emerge as a frontrunner in Romania’s presidential election, but the results defied expectations. Independent candidate Calin Georgescu, who barely registered in pre-election polls, won the first round with about 22 percent of the vote, securing a place in the presidential runoff scheduled for December 8. Georgescu’s unexpected success has shifted the focus of the race, positioning him as a key contender in the final vote.
The competition for second place was a dramatic turn in itself. Left-wing Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, leader of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), found himself in a close contest with Elena Lasconi of the pro-Western Save Romania Union. Lasconi, an outspoken supporter of Romania’s NATO and EU membership and Ukraine’s war efforts, narrowly secured second place, setting the stage for a fierce political battle.
A total of 13 candidates competed in the election for Romania’s presidency, a position that holds considerable sway over national security, foreign policy, and judicial decisions. The presidential race is taking place alongside parliamentary elections on December 1, which will determine the next government. Outgoing center-right President Klaus Iohannis, after a decade in office, faced criticism for his passive approach to key issues, including the coronavirus pandemic. As economic concerns like inflation and corruption dominated voters’ minds, the question of Romania’s support for Ukraine also loomed large, especially with shifting US political dynamics under President-elect Donald Trump, who has questioned continued aid to Kyiv.
Romania’s strong support for Ukraine, particularly in providing military assistance and facilitating grain exports, has been a cornerstone of Iohannis’ presidency. The country’s role as a crucial ally to Ukraine remains important amid the ongoing war with Russia.
The major shock of the election came from Georgescu, a former member of the far-right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR). Despite low polling before the election, Georgescu’s pro-Russian stance, anti-NATO rhetoric, and controversial views gained traction. His remarks against NATO’s missile defense systems and his admiration for wartime Romanian figures with controversial legacies raised eyebrows but failed to deter his supporters. After leaving AUR in 2022 due to ideological differences, Georgescu has maintained a reputation as a prominent critic of NATO and a supporter of closer ties with Russia.
With Georgescu now leading and a fiercely contested race for second place, Romania’s presidential election remains in flux. With the potential for significant policy shifts, the December 8 runoff will be watched closely as a reflection of broader European trends toward populism and far-right politics.
