TikTok star leads Romanian presidential primary with viral campaign videos

A far-right politician, Călin Georgescu, won 23% of the vote in Romania's presidential primary on Sunday, largely due to viral TikTok videos showcasing his unconventional campaign style. Previously, he had minimal support for his independent bid. Georgescu, who promotes ultra-conservative and pro-Putin views, claimed to have spent "zero" on his campaign, relying instead on social media to connect with voters. His success reflects a shift in Romanian political dynamics amid dissatisfaction with mainstream parties. Analysts note that Georgescu's rise indicates growing populism in Europe, similar to trends seen with figures like Donald Trump. His campaign's popularity highlights a disconnect between traditional political messaging and the current voter sentiment.