Ultra-nationalist Kelin Georgescu, who has emerged on the political scene seemingly "out of nowhere," leads in the first round, according to preliminary results covering over 99.9% of the votes.
According to exit polls, Georgescu has garnered 22.93% of the votes, surpassing the Prime Minister of the left-center party, Marcel Colacu (19.16%), and reformist Elena Lascu (also 19.16%). Another right-wing candidate, George Simion, stands at 13.87%. Initially, forecasts indicated that Lascu might make it to the second round; however, Georgescu gained support that could fundamentally alter Romanian politics.
The 35-year-old Georgescu, who has focused on economic nationalism and a critical stance towards the EU and NATO, described his success as an "incredible awakening" of the Romanian people. He emphasized the need to reduce dependence on imports, support local farmers, and revive domestic production. Through his campaign, Georgescu managed to attract the youth by utilizing social media, particularly TikTok.
His statements regarding NATO and Russia have sparked considerable resonance. Georgescu has repeatedly expressed sympathy for Russian culture and even criticized the placement of the American missile shield in Romania, which has tarnished his image in Western countries. Additionally, he has faced criticism for his remarks supporting 20th-century fascist movements, though he denies allegations of antisemitism.
The elections could have far-reaching implications for the political landscape in Romania. The next round will take place on December 8, following parliamentary elections scheduled for the upcoming Sunday.
Source: politico .
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