Pro-European Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu admits defeat

The surprise is total in Romania: the pro-Russian independent candidate, Calin Georgescu, came first in the first round of the presidential elections on Sunday, November 24. According to the final results, Calin Georgescu, 62, opposed to aid to neighboring Ukraine and assassin of NATO, obtained 22.94% of the votes cast, ahead of Elena Lasconi, 52, mayor (center right) from a small town (19.17%). .

The pro-European Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, who was the favorite, was only in third position, a thousand votes behind second (19.15%). He promised Monday not to question the results. “even if the difference is small”he declared, and announced his resignation as head of the Social Democratic Party.

Calin Georgescu raised eyebrows after a TikTok campaign that went viral in recent days, focused on stopping support for kyiv. “Tonight, the Romanian people cried out for peace. And he screamed very loud, very loud.”reacted on Sunday night.

Another far-right candidate was expected in the second round: George Simion, leader of the AUR (Alliance for the Unity of Romanians) party. The 38-year-old coach finally had to settle for fourth place (13.87%). He congratulated his opponent, rejoicing that a “sovereignist” is in the second round. This great admirer of Donald Trump has already promised it “two more battles”during the legislative elections of 1^Ahem December and a week later, on December 8, for the second round of the presidential elections.

The advance of Calin Georgescu represents a revolution for this country of 19 million inhabitants that until now has resisted nationalist positions, differentiating itself from Hungary or Slovakia. In Romania, the President of the Republic performs an essentially ceremonial function but exercises important moral authority.

Historical rise of the extreme right

The Social Democrats, heirs of the old communist party that has structured the country’s political life for three decades, currently govern in coalition with the liberals of the PNL.

When the polling stations closed early on Sunday afternoon, the polls gave the advantage to the head of the Social Democratic Government, ahead of Elena Lasconi. “The results are very close, it is not yet time to celebrate”this former journalist converted to politics had warned. Also asking for caution, Marcel Ciolacu, 56, asked to wait for the complete count to know who he will face on December 8.

After ten years in power by Klaus Iohannis, an ardent supporter of kyiv who became very unpopular due, in particular, to his expensive trips abroad financed by public money, Romanians have set their sights on anti-establishment candidates, in a context of rise of the ultraconservatives. movements in Europe.

According to experts, these candidates took advantage of a tense social and geopolitical climate in this EU and NATO member state, located at the gates of Ukraine and whose strategic role has become vital since the start of the war. Both for NATO, which houses more than 5,000 soldiers, and for the transit of Ukrainian grain.

The Kremlin reacted on Monday, through its spokesman, Dmitri Peskov, to questions regarding Calin Georgescu, stating “it’s not good know “ the pro-Russian candidate.