Nationalist contender secures surprise outcome in Romanian election
Calin Georgescu, a candidate against arming and funding Ukraine, has unexpectedly taken the lead in the initial round of the country’s presidential election. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Calin Georgescu, a Romanian nationalist who opposes the arming and funding of Ukraine, has unexpectedly surged to the forefront in the initial round of the country’s presidential election, based on provisional results.
As ballots were being counted, with over 80 percent tallied, Georgescu emerged with 22.1 percent of the vote early Monday, narrowly edging out current Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, who secured just over 22 percent.
Georgescu, known for his ultra-religious nationalist stance, has campaigned on plans to decrease Romania’s dependency on imports, while enhancing domestic food and energy production. He has been outspoken in criticizing Bucharest’s involvement in the Ukraine conflict, asserting that NATO and the EU do not align with Romanian interests and claiming that American military firms are manipulating the war.
The unexpected results have shifted the political landscape, as Elena Lasconi, initially considered a 'reformer' and a strong candidate for the runoff, now finds herself trailing with 15.3 percent. Far-right contender George Simion, also viewed as a significant candidate, follows closely behind with 14.8 percent support.
The final makeup of the runoff remains uncertain as more ballots are counted.
Georgescu’s beliefs resonate with a considerable segment of voters, although they have also attracted significant criticism, especially due to his past affiliation with Romania’s 20th-century fascist Legionary Movement.
As a political outsider, Georgescu has effectively utilized social media platforms, including TikTok, to engage voters, tapping into the discontent with the existing political establishment. He has built a notable following, particularly among those frustrated with the current government's foreign policy.
Voter turnout for the election reached 52.5 percent, slightly surpassing the turnout in the 2019 presidential race. The second round of voting is set for December 8, following Romania’s parliamentary elections scheduled for the upcoming Sunday.
James del Carmen for TROIB News
As ballots were being counted, with over 80 percent tallied, Georgescu emerged with 22.1 percent of the vote early Monday, narrowly edging out current Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, who secured just over 22 percent.
Georgescu, known for his ultra-religious nationalist stance, has campaigned on plans to decrease Romania’s dependency on imports, while enhancing domestic food and energy production. He has been outspoken in criticizing Bucharest’s involvement in the Ukraine conflict, asserting that NATO and the EU do not align with Romanian interests and claiming that American military firms are manipulating the war.
The unexpected results have shifted the political landscape, as Elena Lasconi, initially considered a 'reformer' and a strong candidate for the runoff, now finds herself trailing with 15.3 percent. Far-right contender George Simion, also viewed as a significant candidate, follows closely behind with 14.8 percent support.
The final makeup of the runoff remains uncertain as more ballots are counted.
Georgescu’s beliefs resonate with a considerable segment of voters, although they have also attracted significant criticism, especially due to his past affiliation with Romania’s 20th-century fascist Legionary Movement.
As a political outsider, Georgescu has effectively utilized social media platforms, including TikTok, to engage voters, tapping into the discontent with the existing political establishment. He has built a notable following, particularly among those frustrated with the current government's foreign policy.
Voter turnout for the election reached 52.5 percent, slightly surpassing the turnout in the 2019 presidential race. The second round of voting is set for December 8, following Romania’s parliamentary elections scheduled for the upcoming Sunday.
James del Carmen for TROIB News
