Pro-European Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu admits defeat

The surprise is total in Romania: the independent pro-Russian candidate, Calin Georgescu, came first in the first round of the presidential election on Sunday, November 24. According to the final results, Calin Georgescu, 62, opposed to aid to neighboring Ukraine and slayer of NATO, won 22.94% of the votes cast, ahead of Elena Lasconi, 52, mayor (center right) from a small town (19.17%).

The pro-European Prime Minister, Marcel Ciolacu, who was the favorite, only came in third position, a thousand votes behind second (19.15%). He promised Monday not to contest the results, “even if the difference is small”he declared, and announced his resignation as head of the Social Democratic Party.

Calin Georgescu created a surprise after a campaign on TikTok that went viral in recent days, focused on stopping support for kyiv. “Tonight, the Romanian people cried out for peace. And he shouted very loudly, extremely loudly.”he reacted on Sunday evening.

Another far-right candidate was expected in the second round: George Simion, leader of the AUR party (Alliance for the Unity of Romanians). The 38-year-old manager ultimately had to settle for fourth place (13.87%). He congratulated his opponent, rejoicing that a “sovereignist” finds himself in the second round. This big fan of Donald Trump has already promised “two more battles”during the legislative elections of 1^is December and a week later, December 8, for the second round of the presidential election.

Calin Georgescu's breakthrough is an upheaval for this country of 19 million inhabitants which has until now resisted nationalist postures, distinguishing itself from Hungary or Slovakia. In Romania, the President of the Republic occupies an essentially ceremonial function but he exercises an important moral authority.

Historic rise of the far right

The social democrats, heirs of the former communist party which has structured the country's political life for three decades, currently govern in coalition with the liberals of the PNL.

When the polling stations closed early Sunday evening, the polls gave the head of the social-democratic government in the lead ahead of Elena Lasconi. “The scores are very close, it is not yet time to celebrate”had warned this former journalist converted to politics. Also calling for caution, Marcel Ciolacu, 56, asked to wait for the full count to find out who he would face on December 8.

After ten years in power of Klaus Iohannis, a fervent supporter of kyiv who became very unpopular due in particular to his costly trips abroad financed with public money, the Romanians have therefore set their sights on anti-system candidates, against a backdrop of rising ultraconservative movements in Europe.

According to experts, these candidates took advantage of a tense social and geopolitical climate in this EU and NATO member state, located at the gates of Ukraine and whose strategic role has become vital since the start of the war. Both for NATO, of which it houses more than 5,000 soldiers, and for the transit of Ukrainian cereals.

The Kremlin reacted Monday, through its spokesperson, Dmitri Peskov, to questions relating to Calin Georgescu, affirming “not good to know “ the pro-Russian candidate.