The Kremlin says it “does not know” Calin Georgescu well. The pro-Russian candidate nevertheless created a surprise by coming first in the first round of the presidential election in Romania on Sunday.
Opposed to aid to neighboring Ukraine and slayer of NATO, this 62-year-old man won 22.94% of the votes cast, ahead of Elena Lasconi (19.17%), 52, a center-center candidate. right.
Calin Georgescu created a surprise after a TikTok campaign that went viral in recent days, focused on the need to stop all support for kyiv.
It is an upheaval for the country of 19 million inhabitants which had until now resisted nationalist postures, distinguishing itself from Hungary or Slovakia. The President of the Romanian Republic occupies an essentially ceremonial function but exercises significant moral authority and influence in foreign policy.
He “seems to be a man of integrity, serious and patriotic”
In the streets of Bucharest, disbelief dominated Monday morning in a cold winter. And for some, a happy surprise. For Maria Chis, retired in 70, Calin Georgescu “seems to be a man of integrity, serious and patriotic, capable of bringing change”. She says she was seduced by his TikTok videos, where he highlighted his position on Ukraine and his promise of “peace and tranquility”. “No more kowtowing to the West, make way for more pride and dignity,” she says.
Coming in third position, the pro-European Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, who was the favorite, was eliminated. The second round is due to take place on December 8.
