Romane on the Brink: A Right-Wing Surge Threatens to Reshape the Nation

The streets of Romania’s major cities are alive with protest. Thousands of young people take to the streets every night, their voices a unified chorus against the rise of extremism and in emphatic support for their nation’s future within the European Union.

A Nation Divided

Romania is in turmoil, reeling from the shock of last Sunday’s presidential election. A non-partisan candidate, Calin Georgescu, unexpectedly emerged victorious, delivering a blow to traditional politics and igniting a heated debate about the country’s path forward.

Georgescu carries with him a slew of critics who are deeply concerned by his political leanings. They categorize him as a far-right supporter of Russian president Vladimir Putin, a sympathizer of Romanian interwar fascism, a proponent of conspiracy theories, and an anti-vaccine advocate. This unexpected victory has placed Romania at a crossroads.

While Georgescu’s election doesn’t give him complete control, the upcoming parliamentary elections on December 1st are critical. The possibility of far-right parties gaining a parliamentary majority, and with them, the power to put Georgescu in the presidency, is a chilling prospect for many.

For Romania, going down this path could have dire consequences. Beyond the tumult within its own borders, a right-wing extremist leadership raises concerns for the EU and NATO. Romania, the EU’s sixth largest member and a crucial NATO partner in Southeast Europe, plays a vital role as a transit point for significant military aid flowing to Ukraine. This upcoming election could significantly shift Romania’s position on the global stage.

A Legacy of Discontent

The young people’s anger is echoed throughout the country. The rise of extremism is not a sudden phenomenon. Romania’s recent history has been marked by tragedies and difficulty, fueling widespread public discontent. This period of unrest started under the rule of Nicolae Ceausescu, a dictator that plunged Romania alongside Albania into a brutal dictatorship, the most harsh in the Eastern Bloc during his regime.

Romania’s citizens have endured much hardship. In 1989, a bloody uprising erupted, claiming over a thousand lives. A decade later, the nation teetered on the brink of civil war, threatened by a miners’ revolt reminiscent of the turmoil unfolds. In the following years, ultranationalism gained traction, with Corneliu Vadim Tudor, a far-right and former court poet of Ceausescu, elected president in 2000.
This election listed him as the lesser of two evils, against a backdrop of a return to Communist rule under Romanian communist leader Ion Iliescu.

Facing these challenges, Romania received promises for change only to be let down by political stalemates and unfulfilled hopes. The seemingly contented status quo fostered cynicism, and mistrust towards governmental powers.

A Nation’s Choice

Romania’s upcoming parliamentary elections hold immense significance. They offer an opportunity for the country to chart a new trajectory. A stark choice emerges: move toward a more inclusive future or risk falling further into domestic unrest and global isolation.

How could the ‌outcome of the upcoming parliamentary elections in Romania impact the relationship between Romania and the European Union and NATO?

## Romania on the Brink: Interview with Dr. Irina Popescu

**Host:** Welcome back to “Global Watch.” Tonight, we delve into the political turmoil gripping Romania following the surprise victory of far-right populist Calin Georgescu in the first round of presidential elections. Joining us tonight is Dr. Irina Popescu, a leading expert on Romanian politics and ⁢society. Dr. Popescu, thanks for being here.

**Dr. Popescu:** Thank⁤ you for having me.

**Host:** Dr. ​Popescu, Romania seems to be ​deeply ⁤divided over this election ‍result. What are the main concerns surrounding Georgescu’s victory?

**Dr. Popescu:** Indeed,⁤ Romania is facing a crucial ‌juncture. Georgescu’s rise is alarming for many reasons. His political platform ‍aligns with⁣ far-right ideology, drawing parallels to interwar fascism and displaying sympathy for Vladamir Putin’s Russia. ‌ [[1](https://www.npr.org/2024/11/25/g-s1-35685/romania-far-right-populist-presidential-election)]He also promotes conspiracy theories and anti-vaccine rhetoric. These⁤ positions directly clash with the values of the European Union, which Romania is a member of.

**Host:** You mentioned the upcoming parliamentary elections. How crucial are those for Romania’s future?

**Dr. ⁢Popescu:**⁤ Absolutely critical. While this first round doesn’t automatically make Georgescu ‍President, his​ success emboldens far-right parties. If they gain a parliamentary majority in the December 1st elections, they could formally⁢ install ⁤Georgescu as president, giving ​him significant power⁤ to reshape Romanian society and its relationship ‍with the EU and ​NATO.

**Host:** What are the potential consequences of ​a right-wing ⁣extremist leadership in Romania for the European Union and NATO?

**Dr. Popescu:** A shift towards right-wing extremism in Romania would ⁢have a domino effect. Romania plays a vital role in Southeast Europe, both as the EU’s sixth largest member and a key ⁤NATO partner. It serves as a crucial transit point for military aid to Ukraine. Romanian cooperation with the West could be⁣ severely compromised, potentially destabilizing the region and NATO’s ‍Eastern flank.

**Host:** Dr. Popescu, what message are⁣ the ⁢protests ⁣currently⁤ taking place across Romanian cities sending to the world?

**Dr. Popescu:** The‌ protests are a powerful testament to the resilience of Romanian democracy. Thousands, primarily young people, are demonstrating their commitment to European values, ⁣to a Romania integrated within the EU, and against the rise of extremism. They are sending a clear ⁢message: Romania will not surrender its democratic future without a fight.

**Host:** ⁢Thank you, Dr. Popescu, for sharing your ​insights.

**Dr. Popescu:** It was my pleasure.