Thunderclap, a pro-Russian far-right candidate leads the presidential election | EUROtoday

SElectoral eism in Romania: a pro-Russian candidate that nobody anticipated got here first within the first spherical of the presidential election this Sunday, November 24, in accordance with partial outcomes. On virtually 99% of the ballots counted, Calin Georgescu acquired 22.5% of the votes.

Behind him, entry to the second spherical must be determined by a photograph end between two candidates: the pro-European Prime Minister and chief of the social democratic get together, Marcel Ciolacu (19.5%), noticed his lead over the candidate of center-right Elena Lasconi (18.9%) is shrinking from minute to minute with the counting of votes from Bucharest and the diaspora. The nationalist candidate George Simion (14%), whom polls put within the 2nd spherical, completed 4th.

Campaign on TikTook

Whatever the end result of the vote, “the far right is by far the big winner of this election,” political scientist Cristian Pirvulescu commented for AFP. Between them, Georgescu and Simion received greater than a 3rd of the votes (36.5%). According to consultants, the far proper has taken benefit of a tense social and geopolitical local weather on this loyal EU and NATO member state, situated on the gates of Ukraine. It is an upheaval for this nation of 19 million inhabitants which has till now resisted nationalist postures, distinguishing itself from Hungary or Slovakia.

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Kangaroo of the day

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The chief of the AUR (Alliance for the Unity of Romanians) get together George Simion has already congratulated his opponent, rejoicing {that a} “sovereignist” finds himself within the second spherical. With his passionate speech with mystical and conspiratorial overtones, Simion, 38, a giant fan of Donald Trump, was thought of one of many favorites. But if he was capable of capitalize on the misery of part of the inhabitants impoverished by excessive inflation, he additionally needed to challenge a average picture which “was a disservice to the most radical”, analyzes Cristian Pirvulescu.

Conversely, Georgescu has attracted consideration in current days with a TikTook marketing campaign that has gone viral, targeted on the necessity to cease support to Ukraine. “Tonight, the Romanian people cried out for peace. And he shouted very loudly, extremely loudly,” he reacted.