Far-right populist and reformist to compete in Romania's presidential runoff
A far-right populist, Calin Georgescu, will compete against reformist Elena Lasconi in Romania's presidential runoff on December 8. Georgescu, who received about 22.95% of the vote, surprised many by defeating incumbent Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu. Lasconi, from the Save Romania Union party, garnered 19.17% of the votes, narrowly surpassing Ciolacu, who received 19.15%. This marks the first time in 35 years that the Social Democratic Party will not have a candidate in the second round. Georgescu's rise is notable, as he was expected to receive less than 10% of the vote. Lasconi, a former journalist, is campaigning on an anti-corruption platform and aims to become Romania's first female president.