Far-right populist Calin Georgescu leads Romania's presidential election first round, facing reformist Elena Lasconi in runoff

A little-known, far-right populist, Calin Georgescu, topped the first round of Romania's presidential election, defeating incumbent Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu. Georgescu received about 22.95% of the vote, while reformist Elena Lasconi followed with 19.17%. This election marks the first time in 35 years that the Social Democratic Party will not have a candidate in the presidential runoff. The second round will take place on December 8, with Georgescu facing Lasconi, who advocates for anti-corruption reforms. Georgescu gained significant support from Romania's diaspora, winning 43.3% of their votes. Lasconi, if victorious, would become Romania's first female president. Romania will also hold parliamentary elections on December 1.