As Romania approaches its presidential runoff election, fears are mounting that far-right candidate Călin Georgescu, an outspoken NATO skeptic with alleged ties to Russian influence campaigns, could lead the country down an isolationist and authoritarian path. Thousands gathered in Bucharest on Thursday night to rally for European values and warn against a potential return to dictatorship.
Georgescu’s meteoric rise has shocked political observers. Just weeks ago, he was an obscure figure with little public recognition. Now, he leads in the polls, propelled by a controversial campaign that analysts believe has been bolstered by Russian interference, including targeted social media operations.
A Nation on Edge
The runoff pits Georgescu against Elena Lasconi, a pro-European Union, center-right candidate. The election has drawn intense focus in Romania, a country of 19 million on the EU’s eastern border, with critical implications for European security.
“For us, NATO and the EU mean safety for our children and grandchildren,” said Aurelia Poderescu, one of thousands braving freezing temperatures in Bucharest to wave EU and Romanian flags. “On the other side, we have Georgescu, a neo-fascist. We cannot allow our country to go back to a time of fear and oppression.”
Georgescu has openly criticized NATO’s presence in Romania and expressed skepticism about supporting Ukraine. His platform calls for dismantling Romania’s political party system, sparking concerns he may seek to establish authoritarian rule.
Russian Influence Allegations
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken joined Romanian intelligence services this week in accusing Russia of a coordinated campaign to boost Georgescu’s candidacy. “Romanian authorities are uncovering a Russian effort — large in scale and well-funded — to influence the recent presidential election,” Blinken said during a summit in Malta.
The allegations have heightened anxieties in Romania, which has vivid memories of its decades under Moscow’s shadow. “We are in grave danger of becoming like Belarus, where Russia will completely rule our country,” warned Andrei Buterez, a software engineer who attended the Bucharest rally.
Divisions Deepen
Georgescu’s candidacy has polarized Romanian society, splitting families and friends. Millions of voters, including Romanians abroad, have thrown their support behind him, citing disillusionment with the political status quo. “He speaks to those that are unhappy with the system,” said Ioana Marussi, another rally attendee. “But his vision is a dangerous step backward.”
Lasconi’s supporters argue that her pro-EU stance is essential to maintaining Romania’s stability and security. Her campaign represents a stark contrast to Georgescu’s isolationist rhetoric, framing the election as a choice between aligning with the West or turning back to authoritarianism.
Echoes of a Dark Past
For many, Georgescu’s rise rekindles memories of Nicolae Ceaușescu’s brutal regime and the violent 1989 revolution that overthrew him. “I was 18 when I heard the gunshots,” said Poderescu. “I have that same fear today. We can’t go back to that time.”
With polls showing Georgescu narrowly leading Lasconi, Sunday’s election could redefine Romania’s future and its place in Europe. As tensions rise, the stakes for democracy in Romania have never been higher.