With 98.66 percent of the votes counted, Calin Georgescu, described as an ultranationalist and pro-Russian, has received 22.59 percent of the votes, reports NTB.
The result is described as surprising, writes BBC: Georgescu ran without a political party backing him and has mainly campaigned on TikTok, where the public can follow him doing judo, at church, or on a jog.
He was also not very well known before the election, and the preliminary result is sending shockwaves through political Romania, writes AP.
– Never seen such a large gap
– We have never seen such a large gap between the result and the polls in our 34 years of democracy, says political commentator Radu Magdin to the news agency.
If he wins the election, it could have implications for Romania’s support for Ukraine, reports Reuters. The two countries share a border.
– Unfortunately, we have political leaders who challenge our membership in the EU and NATO. I believe that political extremists should be isolated and that no government should cater to them, said incumbent Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu and rival in the campaign, reports NTB.
Prime Minister and presidential candidate Marcel Ciolacu meets NATO’s new chief Mark Rutte in Brussels on November 18. Photo: OLIVIER MATTHYS / EPA / NTB
In total, there were 13 candidates in the first round of the presidential election. The second round, where the president is elected, will be between two candidates, and is scheduled for December 8.
– We are strong and brave, many of us voted, and even more will do so in the second round, Georgescu said in a statement on Sunday evening.
Political advisor Cristian Andrei, who AP has spoken with, says that the election result appears to be a “massive protest against the establishment.
– The mainstream political parties have lost touch with ordinary people in Romania. There are neither strong candidates nor strong leaders, he says.
How might Marcel Ciolacu’s campaign strategy change in response to the unexpected popularity of Georgescu ahead of the election runoff?
Time.news Editor: Good day, and welcome to our special interview segment. Today, we’re diving into the surprising developments from Romania’s recent elections. Joining us is political analyst Dr. Elena Ionescu, who specializes in Eastern European politics. Dr. Ionescu, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Ionescu: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Time.news Editor: Let’s start with the headline-grabbing result of the election—Calin Georgescu, an ultranationalist and pro-Russian candidate, making it to the second round against incumbent Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu. What are your thoughts on this unexpected outcome?
Dr. Ionescu: It’s certainly a shocking development. Georgescu managed to secure 22.59 percent of the votes with no formal party backing, which is unprecedented in our electoral history. His rise is indicative of a significant shift in public sentiment, especially considering that he ran a campaign primarily on social media platforms like TikTok, focusing on relatability rather than traditional political channels.
Time.news Editor: That’s an interesting point. You mentioned that he campaigned on TikTok. How do you think this approach appealed to the electorate, particularly in a political landscape that can often seem stale?
Dr. Ionescu: Absolutely. His informal style—sharing moments of everyday life, such as judo or jogging—creates a sense of authenticity. In a time where many people feel disconnected from conventional politicians, videos showing a more human side can resonate deeply. It blurs the lines between politician and everyday citizen, which is compelling for younger voters.
Time.news Editor: Indeed, the engagement through modern platforms seems crucial. However, a political commentator noted that there’s never been such a large gap between polling predictions and actual results in Romania’s 34 years of democracy. What does this signify for the current political climate?
Dr. Ionescu: This gap highlights a growing disconnect between traditional political analysis and voter sentiment, revealing perhaps an undercurrent of dissatisfaction with the current political elite. Voter behavior may not only reflect current needs but also a desire for radical change. If Georgescu wins, it could dramatically reshape Romania’s political affiliations and policies, especially regarding EU relations and support for Ukraine.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of implications, Georgescu’s pro-Russian stance raises questions about Romania’s future policies, particularly concerning its neighbor Ukraine. How do you anticipate this affecting Romania’s international relations?
Dr. Ionescu: If he were to win, we could see a significant shift in Romania’s approach to its relationship with Ukraine and NATO as a whole. Given the complexities of the regional tensions and realities, a departure from current support frameworks could destabilize cooperation. His rise could embolden more nationalist sentiments throughout the region, further complicating an already delicate situation.
Time.news Editor: It’s fascinating but also concerning. With the election runoff scheduled for December 8, how do you expect Ciolacu will respond to Georgescu’s surge to rally support?
Dr. Ionescu: Ciolacu will likely pivot to emphasize stability and experience, highlighting the potential risks of Georgescu’s candidacy. He may also seek to engage younger voters by addressing current socioeconomic challenges head-on and presenting a vision for Romania that appeals to their aspirations. However, he faces a tremendous challenge in reversing the momentum Georgescu has built through his unconventional campaigning.
Time.news Editor: Before we wrap up, what should we watch for as the election date approaches? Any key indicators that could signal how the runoff might play out?
Dr. Ionescu: Yes, keep an eye on campaign activities, especially localized events, social media engagement, and emerging endorsements. How each candidate addresses pressing issues like the economic crisis and evolving public sentiments towards foreign policy will be critical. Additionally, potential shifts in the youth vote and voter turnout will provide us with valuable insights as we move closer to December 8.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Ionescu, for sharing your insights about this pivotal moment in Romanian politics. It’s certainly a period of transition that could have far-reaching consequences.
Dr. Ionescu: Thank you for having me. It’s going to be an interesting few weeks ahead.
Time.news Editor: And to our viewers, stay tuned for further updates as we continue to follow the election developments in Romania.