Electoral earthquake in Romania on Monday: a pro-Russian candidate that no one expected came first in the first round of the presidential elections and is preparing for a duel on December 8 against a political novice, according to the almost definitive results.
After counting more than 99% of the votes, Calin Georgescu, 62, opposed to aid to neighboring Ukraine and critical of NATO, collected 22.94% of the votes, ahead of Elena Lasconi, 52, center-right. right-wing mayor of a small town (19.17%) during the elections held on Sunday.
The pro-European Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, who was the favorite, was relegated to third place with only a thousand votes difference (19.1%).
Calin Georgescu-Roe created a surprise after a TikTok campaign that went viral in recent days, focusing on the need to stop all support for Kiev. “This evening the Romanian people shouted for peace and shouted very loudly, very loudly,” he reacted on Sunday evening.
The 38-year-old manager ultimately had to settle for 4th place, with 13.87%. He congratulated his opponent, rejoicing that a “sovereignist” found himself in the second round.
With his passionate speech with mystical and conspiratorial tones, Simion, a big fan of Donald Trump, managed to capitalize on the suffering of a part of the population impoverished by high inflation. But he also wanted to give a moderate image which “did him a disservice to the more radicals”, analyzes political scientist Cristian Pirvulescu for AFP.
– Anti-system vote –
“The far right is by far the big winner in this election,” with more than a third of the votes, he added.
With these good results, it should benefit from “a contagion effect” in the legislative elections scheduled for next Sunday, he predicts. Which portends difficult negotiations to form a coalition.<span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":300,"335559739":180}
The Social Democrats, heirs of the former communist party that structured the country’s political life for more than three decades, currently govern in coalition with the liberals of the PNL, whose candidate was also defeated.
After ten years in power of the liberal Klaus Iohannis, a fervent supporter of Kiev who became very unpopular above all due to his expensive trips abroad financed with public money, Romanians have therefore set their sights on anti-system candidates, in a context of growth of the movements ultraconservatives in Europe.
According to experts, they took advantage of the tense social and geopolitical climate in this loyal EU and NATO member state, located on Ukraine’s doorstep and whose strategic role has become vital since the beginning of the war. Both for NATO, which hosts more than 5 thousand soldiers, and for the transit of Ukrainian cereals.
It is an upheaval for the country of 19 million inhabitants which until now had resisted nationalist positions, distinguishing itself from Hungary or Slovakia. The President of the Romanian Republic performs an essentially ceremonial function but exercises significant moral authority and influence in foreign policy.
For Maria Chis, who retired in 1970, Calin Georgescu “seems to be a man of integrity, serious and patriotic, capable of bringing about change”. She says she was seduced by his TikTok videos, in which he highlighted his stance on Ukraine and his promise of “peace and tranquility.” “Stop bowing to the West, make way for more pride and dignity,” he says.
Others, like Alex Tudose, owner of a construction company, speak of “sadness and disappointment in the face of this pro-Russian vote after so many years in the Euro-Atlantic structures”. But according to him it is more a vote against the traditional parties favored by ”disinformation” on social networks than a fundamental positioning in favor of the Kremlin.
As for the ballot, he fears that “Romanians are not ready to elect a woman”, Lasconi, to block the far right, in this country where chauvinist prejudices remain anchored.
How is the Romanian political landscape expected to evolve following the unexpected results of this election?
Title: An Electoral Earthquake in Romania: A Conversation with Political Expert Cristian Pirvulescu
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Good afternoon, Cristian! Thank you for joining us today. The recent presidential election in Romania has taken everyone by surprise with the rise of Calin Georgescu. What do you make of his unexpected success?
Cristian Pirvulescu (Political Expert): Good afternoon! It truly is remarkable. Georgescu’s ascent, especially as a pro-Russian candidate, signifies a significant shift in the political landscape of Romania. His campaign resonated with voters at a time when there’s palpable discontent with the status quo.
Editor: Yes, it seems that amidst rising inflation and dissatisfaction, voters are turning away from traditional parties. How critical do you think the current socio-economic situation was for his success?
Pirvulescu: Extremely critical. People are feeling the pinch of high inflation, and Georgescu effectively tapped into that frustration. His promises to cease support for Ukraine, which resonates with a segment of the population, made him appealing to those disillusioned by the government’s economic management.
Editor: In fact, his TikTok campaign went viral, something quite unconventional for a presidential election. What role do you think social media played in shaping his campaign?
Pirvulescu: Social media has become an essential tool in modern politics, particularly for reaching younger voters. Georgescu’s ability to leverage platforms like TikTok allowed him to communicate directly with the public in a way that felt relatable and immediate. This is a clear sign that the political landscape is changing rapidly, and candidates must adapt to these new communication channels.
Editor: That’s a fascinating point. Now, what does this election tell us about the Romanian electorate’s shifting attitudes, especially in terms of foreign policy?
Pirvulescu: This election shows a growing skepticism towards traditional alliances and foreign policies, particularly regarding NATO and the EU. Georgescu’s anti-establishment rhetoric resonated with voters who feel that their voices have been ignored. This could suggest that more extreme anti-system sentiments are gaining traction across Europe, reflecting broader trends in several countries.
Editor: Alongside Georgescu, we saw Elena Lasconi, a center-right candidate, and Marcel Ciolacu, the pro-European Prime Minister, also competing fiercely. How do these results reflect on the broader political parties in Romania?
Pirvulescu: The results are definitely a wake-up call for established parties. The fact that Ciolacu, who once seemed a strong contender, ended up in third place indicates that traditional platforms are losing their grip. This could lead to a fragmentation of the political landscape and difficulties in forming coalitions moving forward, especially with parliamentary elections looming.
Editor: As an expert, do you foresee the potential for a coalition among far-right groups in the future, given that they collectively received a significant portion of votes?
Pirvulescu: That’s very likely. The fragmentation of votes might lead to a “contagion effect” in the upcoming legislative elections, urging the far-right to harness their momentum for a coalition. However, this could create challenges in governance, as these parties often have conflicting agendas and ideologies.
Editor: Indeed, the evolution of Romania’s political scene is both fascinating and complicated. What implications do you anticipate this will have on Romania’s relationship with NATO and the EU, particularly considering its strategic position during the Ukraine conflict?
Pirvulescu: Romania’s role in NATO and the EU could be challenged if anti-NATO sentiment continues to grow among the electorate. This is particularly significant given Romania’s geographical proximity to the Ukraine conflict. If leaders from such factions gain more power, we might witness a shift in how Romania engages with these alliances, potentially leading to internal and external tensions.
Editor: Those are critical insights, Cristian. Thank you so much for sharing your expertise with us today as we navigate this electoral earthquake in Romania. Your perspective is invaluable as we analyze the implications of this shocking turn of events.
Pirvulescu: My pleasure! It’s a pivotal moment for Romania, and I’m glad to contribute to the discussion.