Romania has been left stunned by the results of the first round of its presidential elections. Against all predictions, independent candidate Călin Georgescu emerged as the front-runner, defeating established political figures and sparking heated debate across the country.
Georgescu, a relatively obscure former bureaucrat and academic, had not been considered a major contender in the race. His surprise victory has shifted the political landscape, raising concerns about external influences and the evolving role of social media in modern elections.
The first round has set the stage for a highly polarised second round. Georgescu will face Elena Lascu, a representative of Romania’s pro-European liberal forces. While Lascu’s campaign benefited from strong support in Bucharest and among the Romanian diaspora, her prospects in the second round remain uncertain. Much of the electorate from other eliminated candidates, including Prime Minister Marcel Lacu, may struggle to align with her platform.
Lacu, who was initially considered a front-runner, had led for much of the vote count on election night but ultimately finished in third place, eliminating him from the race. This outcome was a major blow to the governing coalition, highlighting the volatility of voter sentiment in Romania.
Georgescu’s Controversial Campaign
Georgescu’s unexpected rise has drawn intense scrutiny, particularly given his perceived sympathies for Vladimir Putin and his apparent alignment with Russian political narratives. He has previously given interviews to Russian state media, earning favourable coverage from outlets often accused of spreading disinformation. Despite this, Georgescu downplayed his political affiliations during the campaign, focusing instead on populist messaging and leveraging the power of social media platforms, particularly TikTok.
Dubbed the “TikTok Candidate,” Georgescu’s campaign was largely conducted through catchy slogans and visually engaging videos rather than detailed policy proposals. This approach resonated with younger voters and those less engaged with traditional political discourse. Critics argue that this reliance on surface-level impressions over substantive debate underscores a broader shift in modern electoral strategies.
Impact of the Romanian Diaspora
The Romanian diaspora played a crucial role in shaping the election results. Traditionally, diaspora voters have been a bulwark for pro-European candidates, as seen in neighbouring Moldova’s 2024 elections, where Maia Sandu secured victory with their support. In Romania, Lascu performed strongly among overseas voters, though not as decisively as Sandu in Moldova. Georgescu’s appeal, fuelled by his savvy social media presence, appears to have resonated even beyond Romania’s borders.
Romanian voters abroad, often insulated from Russian propaganda due to language barriers and their physical distance from Kremlin-backed media outlets, are typically less susceptible to narratives favouring pro-Russian candidates. However, the influence of platforms like TikTok, which transcend geographic and linguistic barriers, presents a new challenge in countering such dynamics.
Political Implications for Romania and Beyond
Georgescu’s victory has sparked broader discussions about the vulnerabilities of democratic systems in the digital age. His success underscores how traditional political campaigns, reliant on party structures and policy-driven debates, are being outpaced by candidates adept at exploiting the immediacy and emotional appeal of social media.
Observers warn that Georgescu’s campaign could serve as a blueprint for similar efforts in other regions. Analysts point to the potential for external actors to utilise social media to sway public opinion and promote candidates sympathetic to their interests. With Romania at the forefront of this trend, its election outcomes may provide a preview of future electoral strategies in other post-Soviet states and beyond.
Challenges for Lascu in the Run-Off
Lascu faces an uphill battle in the second round. While her liberal, pro-European stance appeals to urban and diaspora voters, the fractured nature of the opposition vote complicates her path to victory. Many supporters of other eliminated candidates, including the far-right populist George Simion, may gravitate toward Georgescu rather than Lascu.
Georgescu’s strategy moving forward appears clear: he will continue to leverage his TikTok campaign to galvanise support, particularly among disengaged or undecided voters. His ability to sidestep conventional debates and focus on emotionally charged messages gives him an edge in connecting with voters on a personal level.
Romania’s presidential elections have revealed a seismic shift in the country’s political landscape. Călin Georgescu’s rise from obscurity to front-runner status highlights the growing influence of social media in shaping electoral outcomes and raises pressing questions about the resilience of democratic systems in the face of evolving digital technologies.
As Romania braces for a polarising second round, the outcome will not only determine its next president but also signal how modern democracies navigate the challenges posed by new media and external influences. For Romania and its European neighbours, the stakes have never been higher.
