Romania has set May 4 as the date for its presidential election rerun, but the stakes remain high as ultranationalist Călin Georgescu, whose surprise first-round victory last November was annulled, continues to dominate the political conversation. Despite allegations of campaign funding irregularities and accusations of foreign interference, Georgescu appears poised to remain a frontrunner, with growing support among frustrated voters.
A Nation Divided: Georgescu’s Rise to Prominence
Georgescu’s initial win, secured with just 23% of the vote, sent shockwaves through Romania and its allies. His populist rhetoric, vaccine skepticism, and praise for Russian President Vladimir Putin alarmed Western observers, who view him as a threat to Romania’s pro-EU and NATO alignment. His success was largely attributed to a viral TikTok campaign that appealed to disillusioned voters fed up with the entrenched cronyism of Romania’s traditional political elite.
Although the election was annulled due to alleged Russian “hybrid action” and accusations of undeclared funding, Georgescu’s narrative of being a victim of the old political order has only strengthened his appeal.
“The frustrations he channels as a candidate, the anti-system vibe as well as his promises for the future, cannot be easily matched by another candidate,” said political analyst Radu Magdin.
A Controversial Candidate Under Fire
Georgescu’s campaign has been marred by allegations of financial improprieties. Declassified intelligence documents suggest his campaign received €1 million in undeclared funds, including €360,000 spent on TikTok ads. Romanian prosecutors are investigating his backers for money laundering, voter bribery, and computer fraud. Despite this, Georgescu denies any wrongdoing, attributing his success to grassroots support.
The Constitutional Court’s decision on whether Georgescu will be allowed to run in May remains a pivotal moment. If disqualified, his narrative of persecution by Romania’s political establishment is likely to resonate even more strongly with his base.
Mainstream Politics Struggles to Counter Georgescu
Romania’s mainstream parties are scrambling to counter Georgescu’s popularity. Former Senate leader and National Liberal Party stalwart Crin Antonescu has emerged as their unified candidate. However, Antonescu’s long absence from politics and ties to Romania’s traditional political system could make him an easy target for Georgescu’s anti-establishment rhetoric.
“Antonescu’s profile, yes, you can say it’s a bit of an oldie, but he can also be a goldie,” said Magdin, referencing his oratory skills and experience. However, Magdin acknowledged that Antonescu may struggle to overcome the deep distrust many Romanians feel toward the political establishment.
Adding to the mainstream parties’ challenge is the fact that the annulment of the November vote is widely seen as a misstep. According to a Romanian Institute for Evaluation and Strategy poll, a majority of voters believe the decision to cancel the election was wrong.
The Broader Implications for Romania and Europe
The stakes of this election extend beyond Romania. Georgescu’s potential presidency raises concerns about the country’s position in the EU and NATO.
“Romania’s mainstream political parties need to explain to voters the dangers of the extremist trend that Georgescu personifies and the difference between the European model, based on the rule of law, and the Russian model, based on violence,” said Siegfried Mureșan, a member of the European Parliament from the National Liberal Party.
Western allies are closely watching the election as a litmus test for the resilience of pro-European values in the region, particularly given the allegations of Russian interference in the first round.
What Lies Ahead
With just months to go until the May 4 vote, Romania finds itself at a crossroads. Georgescu’s growing popularity reflects a broader rejection of the old political system, but his ultranationalist positions and ties to controversial backers raise significant questions about Romania’s future trajectory.
As the country prepares for the rerun, the key question remains: Can Romania’s political establishment unite and regain the trust of voters, or will Georgescu’s outsider appeal once again upend the status quo? One thing is certain—this election will have ramifications far beyond Romania’s borders.