Romania faces a crucial election that may result in its first far-right president, with center-right mayor Elena Lasconi challenging nationalist candidate Calin Georgescu. This election is framed as an existential battle for the nation’s democratic future amid rising Russian influence. Concerns about foreign policy direction and potential isolationism loom large, drawing attention from both the EU and the U.S. The Romanian populace remains divided, reflecting broader regional tensions and economic frustrations.
Romania stands at a crossroads this Sunday, faced with a pivotal decision that could lead to the election of its first far-right president. This choice will significantly impact the future of the nation, a member of both the EU and NATO, located next to Ukraine.
Elena Lasconi, a 52-year-old center-right mayor from a small town, is up against Calin Georgescu, a 62-year-old former high-ranking official and nationalist candidate who surprisingly emerged as the frontrunner in the first round.
To counter predictions, Lasconi, who transitioned from journalism to politics, has been vocal about the stakes at hand, stating that this election represents an ‘existential battle.’ She describes it as a clash between those aiming to ‘protect the young Romanian democracy’ established after the 1989 revolution and those seeking to reestablish ties with Russian influence.
Romania is currently experiencing a turbulent political climate, characterized by elections, accusations of Russian meddling, and concerns regarding potential election cancellations. Social media platforms, particularly TikTok—popular among Georgescu’s supporters—are also under scrutiny for allegedly favoring certain candidates.
Following the recent declassification of documents highlighting the platform’s involvement in the election, outgoing Social Democratic Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu expressed his backing for Lasconi, joining the liberal faction. However, pre-announcement polls indicate that she remains several points behind Georgescu, making her path to victory uncertain.
The Global Impact of the Election
Georgescu is facing criticism for his perceived pro-Russian stance and has become evasive when discussing his views on Vladimir Putin, someone he has previously praised. Although he claims not to wish to withdraw from the EU and NATO, he advocates for ‘putting Romania back on the world map’ and opposes military support for Ukraine, citing Donald Trump as his inspiration.
His nationalist rhetoric has resonated on social media, particularly in one of the EU’s poorer nations. Yet, this raises alarms across Europe, as there are concerns that Romania, a strategic player since the onset of the Ukraine conflict, could join the hard-right faction and disrupt European solidarity against Russia.
Political scientist Marius Ghincea from ETH Zurich notes that the second round is perceived as a referendum on the country’s future foreign policy. A win for Georgescu could align Romania with Hungary and Slovakia, whose leaders seek to diminish the EU’s supranational authority.
Calls for Unity and Support
This election is under close scrutiny not only in Brussels but also in Washington and among neighboring nations. The U.S. State Department issued a warning about the ‘serious negative consequences’ that could arise if Romania distances itself from the West.
From Moldova, President Maia Sandu, a Romanian passport holder, shared a video urging voters to support ‘a strong, European, and free Romania.’ Meanwhile, Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, amid ongoing protests in her country, sent her best wishes for Lasconi’s success.
Although the President of Romania holds a primarily ceremonial position, the role carries considerable moral authority and influence over foreign policy. The president is also instrumental in government formation, a process complicated by a fragmented national assembly lacking a clear majority after last Sunday’s legislative elections.
The Romanian populace appears divided; while the Social Democratic Party remains the leading force in Parliament, the far-right has claimed a third of the votes. This surge marks a significant shift since the fall of communism, driven by widespread frustration over economic hardships, the ongoing war nearby, and a political elite perceived as disconnected and arrogant.
Recently, four pro-EU parties, which hold an absolute majority in Parliament, united to form a ‘national unity’ government, calling on citizens to reject ‘isolationism, extremism, and populism’ in the upcoming election.