Georgescu, who has called Nato’s ballistic missile defence shield a ‘shame of diplomacy’, will likely head into a run-off with leftist prime minister Marcel Ciolacu

Summary

Far-right populist Calin Georgescu led Romania’s presidential election with 22% of the vote, narrowly ahead of leftist Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu (21%), setting up a runoff on December 8.

Georgescu’s unexpected rise, driven by anti-establishment sentiment, has disrupted the political landscape.

His vague populist platform includes boosting local production and criticizing NATO. Analysts suggest his surge reflects voter dissatisfaction, with some suspecting potential Russian influence.

The election, marked by moderate turnout (52.4%), occurs amid economic challenges, high inflation, and tensions from Romania’s proximity to Ukraine’s war zone.

  • Blackmist@feddit.ukEnglish
    552·
    28 days ago

    East European country has it’s elections meddled with by Russia? Yes, very shocking.

    Who could have expected that?

    • Dead_or_Alive@lemmy.worldEnglish
      156·
      28 days ago

      I think Russian influence excuse is overblown. It’s the economy, inflation has been a world wide phenomenon. Everyone is pissed about inflation and how it has affected them. Basic economics and how everything in an economy usually has a six month to a year lag is something that seems to be a hard for people to grasp so the knee jerk is to blame the party in power.

      • Blackmist@feddit.ukEnglish
        4·
        27 days ago

        Everyone is pissed because the ultra rich are taking more than their share. That’s the catalyst.

        But “we should ally ourselves with Russia” is pure propaganda. There’s no solution to be had there, just as Trump isn’t the solution in the US.