Romania at a turning point: A shocking election result for the future

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In Romania, the extremist Calin Georgescu is causing a stir: he is leading the presidential election with 22.5% of the vote. Pollsters warn of a protest election and possible political upheavals.

Romania at a turning point: A shocking election result for the future

The recent presidential elections in Romania caused excitement across the country. The night after the election, little-known extremist candidate Calin Georgescu was in the lead with 22.5 percent of the vote, while incumbent Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu was second with 19.7 percent. This could allow Georgescu a place in the crucial December 8 runoff, but preliminary results show that USR reform party candidate Elena Lasconi received 18.7 percent and can theoretically hope for votes from Romanians living abroad.

The election result is seen by many as an expression of citizens' discontent. Sociologists describe the election as a “rage election” that gives a clear expression of dissatisfaction to the established party system, especially the two governing parties PSD and PNL. Citizens are increasingly affected by high inflation and growing poverty and are demanding change.

An unexpected rise

Calin Georgescu, who appeared without party support, revealed a particular strategy during the election campaign, based primarily on social media such as TikTok. Political scientists are now questioning whether this sudden success could present him as the leader of a new political movement or whether he is just benefiting from short-term trends.

Georgescu emphasized in a press conference that the Romanian people had "awakened to consciousness" and called for an end to the repression, which he linked to the military conflict in Ukraine. His radical rhetoric, which includes recognizable anti-Semitic overtones, has earned him a reputation as an extremist politician, although this does not appear to be denting his voter base. After Georgescu's success, the right-wing extremist politician George Simion announced that he would support him in the runoff election.

Voter turnout abroad

The elections took place not only in Romania itself, but also for Romanians living abroad. A total of 950 polling stations were set up, including 17 in Austria, underlining both the importance of the foreign community and the commitment of these voters to developments at home. Polling stations opened at 6:00 a.m. and closed at 8:00 p.m. CET.

In Romania, the head of state, who is elected through such elections, is endowed with extensive powers, including the authority to direct foreign and defense policy. The president is also responsible for representing Romania within the EU and at international level.

The upcoming decisions are crucial for Romania's political future and could have far-reaching consequences for society and its stability. Observers are curious to see how the country's political course would change with a potential President Georgescu.

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