Calin Georgescu leads first round of Romania's presidential election as far-right outsider

Calin Georgescu, a little-known far-right populist, surprised many by leading the first round of Romania's presidential election with 22.95% of the vote. His rise comes after polls showed him with less than 0.4% support just months ago. Georgescu, running as an independent, has gained traction by appealing to voters dissatisfied with the political elite. He outperformed leftist Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu and progressive candidate Elena Lasconi, who received 19.15% and 19.17%, respectively. The runoff on December 8 will see Georgescu face Lasconi, who supports pro-European and pro-NATO policies. Georgescu's anti-establishment stance and controversial views on NATO and Russia could significantly impact Romania's foreign policy and its role in the EU and NATO.