Călin Georgescu, the Putin admirer and TikTok sensation reshaping Romanian politics

Călin Georgescu, the Putin admirer and TikTok sensation reshaping Romanian politics

A large majority of Romanian citizens found themselves on Monday asking a pressing question: Who is Călin Georgescu? The politician won the first round of Romania’s presidential elections on Sunday, receiving over two million votes, representing 22.95% of the electorate. The question is how this far-right populist — a relatively obscure figure with ties to Russia and rhetoric threatening Romania’s pro-West trajectory — managed to secure so much support despite lacking backing from any political party. However, despite his surprise victory on Sunday, the independent candidate faces an uphill battle to claim the presidency.

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