Nationalist Candidate Calin Georgescu Leads in Romanian Presidential Polls

Romania’s political landscape is shifting dramatically as Călin Georgescu, a nationalist candidate known for his nationalist stance, emerges as the frontrunner in the upcoming rescheduled presidential elections. Georgescu currently commands a solid lead, with recent surveys showing him ahead of other prominent candidates, including former Liberal Party leader Crin Antonescu and Bucharest Mayor Nicușor Dan.

Initially set for late 2024, the elections were postponed and subsequently re-announced for May 2025 after concerns of external interference and procedural irregularities. Since then, Georgescu’s campaign has gained significant traction, buoyed by his rhetoric of nationalism and promises to strengthen Romania’s geopolitical independence.

His political growth is partially a direct consequence of the Government’s repeated visible attempts to censor his online presence and ban him from running for the presidency again. This and the refusal of former President Klaus Joahnnis to leave office after his mandate ended to make the perfect campaign for the nationalist candidate. Protests that sparked recently nationwide reflect a growing discontent with the political establishment amid allegations of electoral misconduct – people asking Johannis to leave and the second round of Presidential elections to be organized.

Critics, however, have raised alarms about his nationalist speech, citing statements he made supporting closer relations with Russia and questioning Romania’s current trajectory within the European Union and NATO.

A recent poll conducted by Avangarde suggests Georgescu could secure 38% of the vote in the first round, a notable margin above Antonescu’s 25% and Dan’s 17%.

While a runoff appears likely, Georgescu’s momentum has sparked intense debates among political analysts, party strategists, and international observers.

Concerns over Russian influence in Romanian politics have grown louder in recent months despite any solid evidence to prove the reasoning behind the interference of other states or state entities in the Romanian presidential elections. Media reports and intelligence assessments have pointed to concerted disinformation campaigns and cyber activities to bolster pro-Russian narratives.

Some of Georgescu’s critics allege that these efforts have played a role in his rising popularity. However, his campaign denies any external assistance and attributes its success to tapping into voter dissatisfaction with the current government and Romania’s economic challenges.

As the country approaches the May 2025 elections, the stakes are high. Romania’s trajectory—its commitment to EU integration, its role within NATO, and its internal democratic stability—will be under scrutiny. International allies and domestic watchdogs will closely monitor the outcome and the integrity of the process leading up to the vote.

With Georgescu’s controversial ascent, the upcoming election is pivotal in Romania’s modern political history.