BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Massive protests erupted in Bucharest following a surprising outcome in Romania’s first round of presidential elections, which saw a far-right populist unexpectedly leading the polls. With parliamentary elections just days away, tensions are running high in the European Union and NATO member state. Demonstrators carried signs like, “Better to be dead than a fascist,” as they rallied against the candidate.
The Nov. 24 presidential vote saw far-right contender Călin Georgescu, a controversial figure with past praise for Romanian fascist leaders and Russian President Vladimir Putin, secure the most votes despite polling below 10% before the election. His opponent in the Dec. 8 runoff will be Elena Lasconi, a reformist from the Save Romania Union (USR) party.
Sunday’s parliamentary election, which will shape Romania’s next government, has been overshadowed by the chaos surrounding the presidential race. Protests against Georgescu have intensified, fueled by accusations of his rapid social media rise being artificially engineered. According to the think tank Expert Forum, Georgescu’s sudden TikTok popularity mirrors his unexpected surge in the polls. The Supreme Defense Council warned of external interference, calling Romania a “priority target for hostile actions” by Russia, though the Kremlin has denied involvement.
Georgescu declared zero campaign spending, yet benefited from significant exposure on TikTok, raising suspicions among critics. Meanwhile, the Constitutional Court has ordered a recount of all 9.4 million votes following allegations from a minor candidate of irregularities, adding further uncertainty. The decision to recount the votes, which the court postponed until Monday, has drawn criticism for its lack of transparency.
Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and Nicolae Ciucă of the National Liberal Party (PNL) both resigned as party leaders after underperforming in the presidential race. The absence of a PSD candidate in the runoff is unprecedented in Romania’s post-communist history.
Protests led by groups like “Corruption Kills” demand independent oversight of the recount and accuse the court of undermining democracy. Young protesters in Bucharest, like 18-year-old student Sebastian Marin, view Georgescu as a threat to democratic values. “He’s pro-Russia, pro-Putin,” Marin said. “We must mobilize for democracy.”
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Sunday’s parliamentary vote, however, is crucial for determining the country’s leadership. With a 466-seat legislature up for grabs, major parties such as PSD, PNL, and the far-right Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) are expected to dominate. Reformist parties like USR and REPER face challenges amid waning popularity, while smaller nationalist groups may surprise with strong performances.
Analysts caution that anti-establishment sentiment, fueled by high inflation, economic struggles, and dissatisfaction with the ruling coalition, could benefit far-right parties. Associate Professor Claudiu Tufiș of the University of Bucharest predicts the far-right may win up to 40% of the parliamentary vote, deepening polarization.
Romania’s fragile political stability, once a hallmark of its position in Europe, now faces significant strain. The dual elections present a test of its democracy as the nation grapples with economic hardships and geopolitical tensions.
Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja acknowledged the unpredictable nature of the current political climate. “No one saw this coming,” he said, warning of the potential for far-right dominance in both parliament and the presidency. The uncertainty surrounding the recount and upcoming elections has left observers hesitant to predict Romania’s future trajectory.