In a political upset that shook Romania’s election landscape, Calin Georgescu, a 62-year-old far-right populist, defied predictions and won the first round of the country’s presidential election. Despite being forecasted to secure less than 10% of the vote, Georgescu came out on top, securing the most votes and advancing to the second round.
This surprising turn of events has many political analysts questioning how such an unknown figure was able to not only eclipse several higher-profile candidates, including Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, but also win enough support to challenge Elena Lasconi, the reformist candidate from the progressive Save Romania Union party.
So, who exactly is Calin Georgescu, and how did he manage to garner such widespread support?
Who is Calin Georgescu? A Snapshot of the Far-Right Populist’s Background
Born in Bucharest in 1962, Calin Georgescu is not a typical politician. With a doctorate in pedology (the study of soils), Georgescu’s early career focused on environmental issues, serving in Romania’s environment ministry in the 1990s. He also represented Romania on the United Nations Environment Program from 1999 to 2012.
But his political trajectory took a significant turn when he became associated with the far-right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR). Known for its nationalist, anti-establishment rhetoric, AUR was a perfect match for Georgescu’s increasingly populist stance. However, in 2022, Georgescu parted ways with AUR following internal disagreements and accusations of being pro-Russian and anti-NATO.
Georgescu’s Controversial Views: Nationalism and Pro-Russian Sentiment
What sets Georgescu apart in the current Romanian political scene is his provocative rhetoric and controversial views. He has repeatedly praised Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling him “a man who loves his country.” Georgescu has also been critical of Ukraine, calling it an “invented state,” a sentiment that aligns with his broader views on Romanian sovereignty and nationalism.
Georgescu’s admiration for Romanian fascist and nationalist leaders from the 1930s and 1940s further fuels concerns over his far-right leanings. Despite his connections to Russia, Georgescu denies being pro-Russian, insisting his stance is rooted in Romanian sovereignty rather than any allegiance to foreign powers.
He is also a vocal supporter of the Romanian Orthodox Church, which plays a significant role in shaping Romania’s national identity. In his eyes, Romania must protect its Christian values and sovereignty, which includes pushing for a stronger local economy, a more self-reliant nation, and a reduced dependence on foreign imports.
Georgescu’s Sudden Rise: The Power of TikTok
One factor that cannot be ignored in Georgescu’s surprising surge is his extensive use of TikTok. In recent months, his TikTok account exploded in popularity, helping him bypass traditional media channels and reach younger voters directly. His account amassed 3.7 million likes and 274,000 followers in a short span, and the views on his content skyrocketed in the weeks leading up to the election.
TikTok has become a major platform for political campaigns, with Georgescu’s content focusing heavily on themes of peace, national sovereignty, and opposition to Romania’s support for Ukraine. His message of neutrality in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine resonated with many Romanians who feel disconnected from the political elites in Bucharest.
A recent report by Expert Forum, a Bucharest-based think tank, revealed a dramatic spike in TikTok views associated with Georgescu’s account. On November 18, his account had garnered an astonishing 92.8 million views, and by November 25, the figure had grown by 52 million in just a week. This sudden surge has raised questions about the authenticity of the support, with some speculating that the spike may have been artificially boosted, possibly by coordinated efforts.
Georgescu’s Key Political Stance: Sovereignty and Economic Independence
At the heart of Calin Georgescu’s political platform lies a vision of a sovereign Romania that is less dependent on foreign powers, particularly the European Union and NATO. Georgescu believes that Romania must take a more independent role in international relations while preserving its traditional values. This includes prioritising Romanian farmers and increasing local energy and food production.
In his view, Romania needs to develop a “sovereign distribution model” based on participatory democracy, where values like truth, freedom, and sovereignty guide the country’s development. His focus on self-sufficiency and economic independence resonates with a large segment of the population, especially rural voters, who feel left behind by Romania’s economic policies in recent years.
Georgescu’s Approach to Foreign Policy and NATO
Georgescu’s foreign policy stance is a key aspect of his campaign. While he acknowledges that Romania is bound by its obligations to NATO and the European Union, he advocates for a more assertive approach when dealing with these entities. In his view, Romania should demand that NATO and the EU respect their commitments to Romania, particularly regarding security and economic matters.
On the Ukraine conflict, Georgescu argues that Romania must diversify its external relations and avoid getting drawn into the war. He believes that Romania should focus on strengthening its own defence capabilities rather than supporting Ukraine in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Why Georgescu’s Message Resonates: The Disconnect Between Voters and the Political Elite
Georgescu’s success in the first round of voting can be attributed, in part, to the growing disillusionment among Romanian voters with the political elite. According to political consultants, many Romanians feel disconnected from traditional political parties, which they see as out of touch with the needs of ordinary citizens.
In the wake of years of political infighting, corruption scandals, and economic stagnation, Georgescu’s rise offers a stark contrast. While mainstream parties have failed to offer hope or clarity for Romania’s future, Georgescu’s message of national pride and sovereignty taps into the frustrations of voters who are tired of the status quo.
Conclusion: What’s Next for Calin Georgescu?
As Romania heads toward the second round of the presidential election on December 8, all eyes will be on Calin Georgescu. His rise from relative obscurity to front-runner has surprised both political analysts and the general public. Whether he can maintain this momentum and defeat Elena Lasconi remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Georgescu’s populist, nationalist message has struck a chord with a significant portion of Romania’s electorate.
In a time of uncertainty, economic challenges, and geopolitical tensions, Calin Georgescu represents a new kind of politician: one who capitalises on social media, taps into nationalistic sentiments, and offers an alternative to the establishment.
