Thousands Protest for EU Values Ahead of Romania’s Presidential Election Runoff

Pro-EU Rally in Bucharest Reflects Growing Concerns Over Populism
Thousands of Romanians gathered in University Square, Bucharest, for a pro-European Union rally just days before the crucial presidential election runoff on December 8. The rally, which saw more than 4,000 participants waving Romanian and EU flags, was a direct response to growing concerns over the political shift towards populism in Romania. As the country edges closer to the final round of voting, many citizens fear the potential loss of Romania’s pro-EU stance.

Protesters were heard chanting slogans that emphasized their support for the EU and Romania’s continued integration into European structures. The rally comes amidst rising political tension, particularly with the recent surge of far-right populist candidates like Calin Georgescu.

The Surge of Far-Right Populism in Romania’s Political Landscape
In the first round of the presidential election, independent far-right candidate Calin Georgescu shocked the political establishment by securing nearly 23% of the vote, despite polling in the single digits just days before the vote. His unexpected rise was fueled largely by his strong presence on social media, especially TikTok, where he was able to engage and connect with younger voters. His platform, which is strongly anti-EU and anti-NATO, advocates for Romania to adopt a neutral foreign policy and has garnered attention for his controversial admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Romanian fascist ideologies.

Georgescu’s success, along with the growth of far-right parties like the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), has sparked alarm among those who view these developments as a threat to Romania’s EU membership and democratic values.

Romania Faces a Critical Crossroads in Upcoming Election
The stakes are high in the upcoming election. Georgescu will face reformist candidate Elena Lasconi from the Save Romania Union Party (USR) in what is expected to be a tightly contested race. The results of the runoff will have significant implications for Romania’s political future and its alignment with the European Union.

As Romania navigates this political shift, many citizens are rallying to ensure their country remains firmly within the EU’s sphere, fearing that a populist victory could undermine years of democratic progress and Romania’s role in the European community.