Or is at a crucial crossroads. The recent decision of the 2025 Central Election Committee, following the cancellation of the November 2024 elections due to complaints of foreign intervention, is not just an internal political crisis. It is a test of endurance for democratic institutions, not only in Romania but also throughout Europe.
These developments are not only about the future of a country, but they raise questions about whether our continent is able to defend itself against the rise of populism. Romania, a country with historical political crises, is facing a danger that exceeds its national borders, affecting European stability and geopolitical balances.
Who is the far -right Kalin Georgkescu
Georgkescu, a former UN official and founder of the far -right National Renaissance (Renșterea Națională) in 2022, garnered 23% of the vote in the first round of last November. Its appeal was particularly intense between new voters, rural and labor strata, as well as citizens who feel alienated from the political establishment. His rhetoric focused on the “recovery of national sovereignty” and the rejection of “European enforcement”, utilizing slogans such as “Romania for the Romanians” and “independence from Brussels”.
His party developed rapidly, finding resonance with citizens who feel frustrated by the political establishment and economic inequalities. Georgkecus’ strategy was based on a dynamic campaign on social media, where he promoted a narrative of nationalist rebirth and economic self -sufficiency, aiming mainly at young voters, labor and agricultural strata. The pro -European candidate and former Prime Minister Dan Barna received 31%, while independent candidate Anna Michael, with a progressive agenda, followed with 18%. The rest of the candidates, including Georgis Simion of the nationalist AUR and former Defense Minister Nikolae Tsiouka, were shared the rest of the votes.
Following the revelations of foreign intervention, the Romanian Constitutional Court proceeded, citing serious violations of the democratic process. The Central Election Committee excluded Georgkescu from the repetitive elections of next May, a decision that sparked strong reactions. Thousands of supporters went down the streets of Bucharest, protesting against what they described as “political repression” and a “violation of the popular mandate”.
The demonstrations escalated in clashes, with groups of demonstrators trying to invade the Election Committee building, leading to clashes with security forces. These events have highlighted the deep political polarization in Romania, as a growing part of the population turns to radical choices, questioning the legality of democratic institutions.
What does the right -wing resonance mean to Romania
What happens in Romania reflects a much bigger problem: democracy in Europe is not a given. It is under constant questioning, as populist and external forces exploit social discontent and institutional weaknesses to their benefit. While the EU and supports the Romanian government’s efforts to preserve democracy, the US reaction has caused a sensation.
The US Vice -President described Georgkescu’s exclusion of “blow to democracy”, while Ilon Musk promoted false allegations of political prosecution, reinforcing the theory of the western elite conspiracy against nationalist leaders. The conclusion of these narratives with the Kremlin’s attitude raises questions about the shift of geopolitical balances.
Romania, as a key country on the Eastern wing of NATO and an important EU partner, plays a critical role in halt Russian influence. If its democracy is destabilized, the consequences will be extensive, weakening European security and support for Ukraine. The Romanian crisis is part of a wider dynamic in Europe, where the far -right exploits social inequalities and geopolitical uncertainty to enhance its position. Romania, which until recently was on the sidelines of this trend, now seems to follow the same path.
The real danger is not limited to the possibility of Georgkescu’s re -emergence in the political scene, but it concerns the previous one that is created: How easily can democracy be corroded when populist leaders use fear, dissatisfaction and misinformation? If Romania fails to halt the rise of populism, it will send the message that democracy can be eroded through misinformation, political manipulation and populist mobilization. The Romanian example could act as a catalyst to enhance authoritarian and extremist forces throughout the continent.
The warning
As the repetitive elections approach, Romania is confronted with the challenge of restoring confidence in the democratic process. The government is trying to rally the pro -European forces by forming a single front against the far -right. However, Georgkecus’ influence remains strong, reflecting the division that characterizes the country’s political landscape.
The crisis in Romania is a warning: the collapse of democracy does not always come with a loud coup, but often with a gradual erosion of institutions, undermining citizens’ confidence and the normalization of authoritarianism. In the age of mass misinformation and reinforcement of populism, the defense of democratic values requires constant alertness. The stake is not only about Romania, but the very resilience of European democracy against a new geopolitical reality.
*The lady Wedding ring She is a scientific associate of the Political Research Center at Panteion University and Radical Radicalization Experts.
