Calin Georgescu, the surprise far-right winner of Romania’s first-round presidential election, has denied wanting to exit NATO or the EU, instead calling for policies that prioritize Romania’s national interests. His unexpected rise has sparked nationwide protests.
The unexpected winner of Romania's first-round presidential election, Calin Georgescu, clarified his stance on NATO and the European Union following protests over his victory. Georgescu, 62, emphasized that he does not advocate leaving NATO or the EU but aims to prioritize Romania’s national interests.
Previously polling in single digits, Georgescu, an independent right-leaning candidate, achieved a surprising lead and will now compete against centrist Elena Lasconi in a run-off on Dec. 8. His campaign found significant support among young voters and Romanians abroad, with TikTok playing a pivotal role in driving his message.
Protests erupted in Bucharest and other cities on Tuesday, with demonstrators calling for Romania to remain committed to its European alliances. Georgescu, who has expressed controversial views in the past, addressed these concerns during a Facebook livestream, reiterating his commitment to NATO and the EU while advocating for a stronger focus on Romania's sovereignty and interests.
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