Right-wing populism on the rise: Romania's elections surprise everyone!

Right-wing populism on the rise: Romania's elections surprise everyone!

A right-wing political upheaval is looming in Romania as the ultra-right candidate Călin Georgescu and the conservative opposition leader Elena Lasconi move into the runoff of the presidential election. Sensationally, the previously favored Social Democratic head of government Marcel Ciolacu ended up in third place and thus failed to make it into the decisive round daily news reported. Georgescu, who did surprisingly well with 22.94 percent of the vote, is considered pro-Russian, extremely religious and nationalist. His success reflects the discontent of many voters who are dissatisfied with the political establishment.

The first results of the election also show that the votes of Romanians abroad, who once again play a key role, could harm Ciolacu, as they overwhelmingly vote for Lasconi. At 19.17 percent, this achieved only a wafer-thin lead over Ciolacu, who achieved 19.16 percent. In the first round, a total of 950 polling stations were set up abroad, 17 of them in Austria, including six in Vienna, which the previous presidential election impressively illustrated how decisive the votes of Romanians abroad can be. Experts, including observers from Vienna.at, expect a massive gain for right-wing populist forces in the new parliament.

Political signs for the future

According to election barometers, the right-wing AUR party could even become the strongest force, while the Social Democrats could probably come second and the liberal USR could only come third with 17.5 percent. Other right-wing extremist parties also seem to have a good chance of playing a relevant role in the new parliament, which could significantly change the political climate in Romania. Political scientist Valentin Naumescu explains that Georgescu's rise is the result of widespread dissatisfaction with the political system and many voters are longing for a radical alternative.