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

Calin Georgescu, a far-right candidate critical of the EU and NATO, has unexpectedly taken the lead in Romania's presidential election, receiving 22% of the votes. Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu follows closely with 20%, according to preliminary results. Georgescu, who campaigned primarily on TikTok and has no party affiliation, is set to face Ciolacu in a runoff on December 8. This outcome presents a choice for voters who supported other candidates. The election focused on issues like the rising cost of living, with Romania having a high poverty risk. Turnout was 51%, consistent with the previous election. Final results will be confirmed later today.