BUCHAREST – Romania’s Liberal Party (PNL) has pledged support for centrist candidate Elena Lasconi in the upcoming presidential election run-off, aiming to block the ascent of hard-right independent Calin Georgescu, whose unexpected first-round victory has shaken the country’s political landscape.
Georgescu’s win on Sunday, a surprise for an independent who previously polled in single digits, reflects growing disillusionment with establishment parties and poses a potential challenge to Romania’s pro-NATO stance. His rise has been bolstered by far-right groups like SOS Romania and the Alliance for Uniting Romanians, which have endorsed his candidacy. Georgescu has sparked controversy with his praise for anti-Semitic and fascist figures from Romania’s past and his skepticism about NATO’s reliability in countering Russian aggression.
The ruling coalition’s defeat in the first round, which saw both the Social Democrats (PSD) and the Liberals fail to advance, has triggered leadership resignations in both parties. The Liberals’ new leader, Ilie Bolojan, confirmed support for Lasconi, leader of the pro-European Save Romania Union (USR), emphasizing the importance of defending Romania’s Western orientation.
The PSD, whose former leader Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu was initially the election favorite, has yet to officially back a candidate. Gabriela Firea, a prominent Social Democrat, suggested discussions within the party are ongoing regarding whether to endorse Lasconi.
Georgescu’s success could boost hard-right parties in the Dec. 1 parliamentary elections, potentially giving them significant influence in Romania’s 19-million-strong democracy. Analysts warn that if Georgescu wins the presidency, pro-European forces may rely on parliament to counterbalance his agenda.
“It’s going to be tight, but there will be strong mobilization to help Mrs. Lasconi prevent Georgescu from destabilizing the political system,” said political analyst Radu Magdin. The run-off vote will be closely watched across Europe, as Romania’s trajectory could influence regional stability and the broader European stance against Russian aggression.