Far-right candidate Calin Georgescu leads Romania's presidential election ahead of run-off

In a surprising turn, far-right populist Calin Georgescu has taken the lead in Romania's presidential election, garnering 22% of the vote. He will face leftist Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, who received 20%, in a run-off on December 8. Georgescu's rise reflects growing discontent with Romania's economy and the influence of the European Union and NATO. Many voters are seeking change amid rising living costs and economic uncertainty, which Georgescu highlighted in his campaign. Unlike George Simion of the far-right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians, Georgescu, an independent candidate, effectively used social media to connect with voters. His relatable image and focus on local issues resonated more with the electorate, leading to his unexpected success.