After 98.7% of the votes were counted, it was found that in the first round held on Sunday, the independent candidate Giorgiescu won 22.6% of the votes, and the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) Colaku – 19.6% of the votes, the Central Electoral Bureau (CVB) announced.
They will have to compete in the second round on December 8.
According to CVB data, voter turnout in the first round was 52.4%.
The 62-year-old Georgescu’s run-off is a surprise, as polls did not predict him to do so well.
Christian Andrei, a Bucharest-based political consultant, told the AP agency that Giorgiescu’s unexpected success can be seen as a protest against the current elite and shows that mainstream parties are losing touch with the people.
Andrei pointed out that Giorgiescu lacks an agenda and has a vague and populist manifesto. Giorgescu advocates increasing support for farmers, reducing dependence on imports and increasing energy and food production.
Shortly before the election, he drew attention with a campaign on the “TikTok” platform calling for an end to aid to Ukraine. Georgescu also expressed skepticism about Romania’s membership in NATO.
According to his website, Giorgiescu has a PhD in soil science and held various positions in the Romanian Ministry of the Environment in the 1990s.
The powers of the Romanian president include determining the country’s foreign and security policy, he is the commander-in-chief of the army and controls the activities of the secret services.
The current liberal President Klaus Iohannis, who has strongly advocated support for Ukraine, has already served ten years or two terms of office and, according to the law, could no longer run for another term of office.
How might the dynamics of young voters influence future elections in this political landscape?
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us today. We have a special guest, Dr. Elena Vasilescu, a political analyst with extensive experience in electoral studies. Dr. Vasilescu, welcome!
Dr. Vasilescu: Thank you for having me. I’m excited to discuss the recent election results.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. The recent first round of elections showed an interesting dynamic, with independent candidate Giorgiescu securing 22.6% of the votes, ahead of the Social Democratic Party’s Colaku, who received 19.6%. What do you think were the key factors that contributed to Giorgiescu’s success?
Dr. Vasilescu: That’s a great question. I believe Giorgiescu’s success can be attributed to a few key factors. First, he represents a fresh alternative to the traditional parties like PSD, which have been seen by many as part of the political establishment. His independent status likely attracted voters looking for change. Additionally, his campaign focused on addressing the concerns of younger voters, who are increasingly dissatisfied with the status quo.
Editor: Fascinating points. You mentioned the younger voter demographic. How significant do you think their influence was in this election, and what issues are most important to them?
Dr. Vasilescu: Young voters are becoming a formidable force in many elections globally, and this one is no exception. In this case, issues such as climate change, economic opportunities, and transparency in governance resonated deeply with them. Giorgiescu’s ability to connect with these concerns likely helped him capture a larger share of that demographic’s vote. Moreover, social media played a crucial role in his outreach—an essential tool for engaging younger voters.
Editor: That’s very insightful. On the other hand, what could have contributed to Colaku’s performance falling slightly behind Giorgiescu?
Dr. Vasilescu: Colaku’s results, while still significant, indicate a few challenges. First, PSD has faced criticisms over the years concerning corruption and inefficiencies. Despite being a major political player, they may not have effectively addressed these perceptions in their campaign. Additionally, their traditional voter base might be dwindling, as they have been unable to inspire newer generations. This may have led Colaku to struggle in attracting younger voters who prefer new narratives over established parties.
Editor: Given these developments, what do you foresee for the second round of voting? Will this momentum for Giorgiescu continue?
Dr. Vasilescu: It’s difficult to predict with certainty, but if Giorgiescu continues to engage voters effectively and address their underlying concerns, he could maintain or even increase his support. Conversely, Colaku’s team has a critical opportunity to reassess their strategies and unify their base. They need to demonstrate how they can address the pressing issues that voters care about if they want to mount a successful challenge. The next few weeks will be pivotal in shaping the runoff campaign.
Editor: Very interesting insights, Dr. Vasilescu. It sounds like we are in for a thrilling second round! What’s your take on how this election could impact the political landscape moving forward?
Dr. Vasilescu: This election could signify a shift in the political landscape. If independent candidates like Giorgiescu gain traction, it may encourage more voters to support non-partisan figures, leading to increased political diversity. Long-term, this could challenge established parties to evolve and address public concerns more effectively. We could be seeing the beginnings of a transformative change in the political dynamics of the region.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Vasilescu, for sharing your expertise with us today. It certainly seems like an exciting time in the political arena, and we’ll be sure to keep an eye on how things develop!
Dr. Vasilescu: Thank you for having me! I’m looking forward to seeing how the narrative unfolds.