Unexpected Candidates Squaring Off in Romania's Presidential Runoff

Romania's political scene is witnessing a surprising twist. A far-right populist named Calin Georgescu, who was practically unknown, has clinched the first spot in the presidential election, giving a huge blow to the incumbent prime minister. Georgescu, a 62-year-old independent candidate, will now face off against Elena Lasconi, a reformist from the Save Romania Union party, in a runoff election on December 8. Georgescu secured around 22. 95% of the vote, while Lasconi came in second with about 19. 17%. The incumbent prime minister, Marcel Ciolacu of the Social Democratic Party, narrowly missed out, with 19. 15% of the vote. George Simion of the far-right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians got 13. 87%. This is the first time since Romania's post-communist era began 35 years ago that the Social Democratic Party doesn't have a candidate in the presidential runoff. It's a clear sign that voters are fed up with the established parties. Ciolacu, shocked by his defeat, has already stepped down as the party leader. After the polls closed, nearly 52. 5% of eligible voters had cast their ballots. Georgescu won a significant portion of the diaspora vote, with 43. 3%, compared to Lasconi's 26. 8%. Even local surveys had underestimated Georgescu's support, predicting he'd get less than 10% of the vote.Nicolae Ciuca, a former army general and leader of the center-right National Liberal Party, also resigned after his disappointing 8. 7% result. The role of the president in Romania includes significant responsibilities such as national security, foreign policy, and judicial appointments. Georgescu, a soil science doctorate holder with experience in the environment ministry, took to Facebook to share his vote, saying it was "for the unjust, for the humiliated, for those who feel they do not matter. " Despite not having a clear political platform, Georgescu's TikTok videos have gained immense popularity, with over 1. 7 million likes. However, his popularity will be put to the test when he faces Lasconi in the runoff. Lasconi, a former journalist and leader of the USR, has campaigned on an anti-corruption reform agenda. She's also advocated for increased defense spending and continued aid to Ukraine. If she wins, she'll make history as Romania's first female president. The upcoming parliamentary elections on December 1 will also determine the next government and prime minister.