Calin Georgescu, a right-wing populist candidate who primarily campaigned on TikTok, emerged victorious in the first round of Romania’s presidential election on Nov. 25. Georgescu, along with Elena Lasconi of the Save Romania Party, advanced to the second round on Dec. 8. The current Prime Minister, Marcel Ciolacu, came in third, while George Simion of the AUR finished fourth. A total of 9.4 million people cast their votes, representing a turnout of 52.4%.
Georgescu criticized NATO and the European Union during his campaign, expressing skepticism about NATO’s commitment to member defense and advocating for closer ties with Russia. He emphasized the importance of national security, foreign policy, and judicial appointments in Romania.
With a background in soil science and experience in environmental roles, Georgescu transitioned into a populist politician. His TikTok account, with 1.6 million likes, showcased a range of activities including church visits, judo practice, and podcast appearances.
Throughout his campaign, Georgescu used TikTok to convey his criticisms of the European Union, NATO, and Romania’s political establishment. His unexpected success was attributed to a widespread sentiment of dissatisfaction with the mainstream political parties in Romania.
Despite lacking a clear agenda, Georgescu aims to support Romanian farmers, reduce import dependence, and boost food and energy production. He has controversially praised historical figures like Ion Antonescu and Corneliu Zelea Codreanu as national heroes.
As Romania prepares for parliamentary elections on Dec. 1, Georgescu’s victory signals a shift in the country’s political landscape. His platform, which challenges traditional political norms, has resonated with a significant portion of Romanian voters. Please rephrase this sentence.
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