Romania prepares for presidential runoff between pro-EU and pro-Russia candidates

Romania is set to hold a presidential election runoff on Sunday, where voters will choose between pro-Russia candidate Calin Georgescu and pro-EU candidate Elena Lasconi. Georgescu, a right-wing outsider, gained 23% of the vote in the first round, while Lasconi received 19%. Georgescu has shifted his rhetoric, now claiming to prioritize Romania's interests while promising to halt military aid to Ukraine. In contrast, Lasconi aims to maintain Romania's ties with the EU and NATO, positioning herself against Georgescu's nationalist agenda. Social media has played a significant role in the election, with concerns about foreign influence and misinformation. Reports indicate that Georgescu received support from unknown IT companies, while Lasconi warns of potential Russian interference in the election process.