Romanian presidential election candidate Cullen Gheorgescu riding a white horse. It emphasizes his strong appearance, as he is good at horseback riding and martial arts. [컬린 제오르제스쿠 틱톡]
[헤럴드경제=김유진 기자] The person who surprisingly took first place in the first round of the presidential election held in Romania on the 24th (local time) was known as Cullen Georgescu (62), an independent far-right member.
On this day, Britain’s Financial Times (FT) reported on the Romanian presidential election and pointed out ‘populism’, saying, “It is a sign that Trump-style populism is spreading throughout Europe.”
As a result of the vote count, Gheorgescu took the lead with 22.95% of the votes, beating Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) (20%) and Elena Lasconi (19.17%) of the Union for National Salvation (USR). As no candidate received a majority of votes in the first round, the two candidates, Gheorgescu and Ciolacu, will face each other again for the presidency in a runoff election on December 8.
Georgescu, a far-right, pro-Russian person, praised Russian President Vladimir Putin as a “true leader” and argued that “military support to Ukraine must be stopped.” Romania is a country bordering Ukraine, which was invaded by Russia. Meanwhile, Western countries appear to be watching the rapid rise of Gheorgescu, who also expressed negative opinions about maintaining NATO membership, which made his country a member of the Western countries.
Cullen Gheorgescu ran as an independent candidate in the Romanian presidential election. [AP=연합]
Gheorgescu, who became famous through TikTok politics, is a former bureaucrat who worked at the Romanian Ministry of Environment from 1999 to 2012. After serving as Romania’s representative on the UN’s National Committee for the Environment, he entered politics as a member of the far-right party Solidarity Alliance. However, he is a troublemaker who was expelled from the party for saying that political leader Ion Antonescu, who was sentenced to death for participating in the massacre of Jews during World War II, was a hero.
According to the FT, when combining the votes recorded by far-right candidates in this presidential election, more than one-third of voters supported the pro-Russian, anti-European Union (EU) line.
Regarding Gheorgescu’s propaganda, Romanian historian Ion Ionicer said, “This is a victory for TikTok,” adding, “There is a possibility of winning just through social media without a political party.” In fact, Gheorgescu, an independent, built public awareness by posting horseback riding and judo videos on TikTok instead of offline propaganda campaigns mobilizing party members.
Meanwhile, Romania has a dual administration system, with the president in charge of foreign affairs and defense, and the actual authority to run state affairs is exercised by the prime minister. Along with the results of this presidential election, changes in Romanian politics are expected to continue in the general election scheduled for December 1.
**What are the specific policy positions advocated by Cullen Gheorgescu that resonate with Romanian voters disenchanted with the current political landscape?**
## Romanian Presidential Election: A Conversation
**Welcome to World-Today-News.com’s exclusive discussion on the surprising first-round results of the Romanian presidential election. Today, we are joined by Dr. Ariana Vlad, a Romanian political analyst specializing in Eastern European politics, and Professor David Miller, an expert on right-wing populism and online disinformation.**
**Section 1: The Rise of Cullen Gheorgescu**
**Host:** Dr. Vlad, Romanians went to the polls this past weekend, and the results show a truly unexpected front-runner, Cullen Gheorgescu. Can you help us understand this political newcomer and what seems to be fueling his support?
**Dr. Vlad:** Certainly. Gheorgescu is a controversial figure, known for his far-right views and outspoken admiration for Vladimir Putin. He presents himself as an outsider, rejecting traditional political parties and leveraging social media platforms, especially TikTok, to connect directly with voters. His anti-establishment rhetoric resonates with those disillusioned with the current political landscape.
**Professor Miller:** It’s important to note that Gheorgescu’s rise reflects a broader trend we’re seeing globally: the growing appeal of populism and the increasing use of social media for political mobilization. He cleverly uses catchy videos and simple messaging, bypassing traditional media outlets and creating a direct connection with his followers.
**Host:** Professor Miller, what concerns, if any, does this trend raise for the future of democratic processes?
**Professor Miller:** There’s a real danger in bypassing traditional media and fact-checking mechanisms. Gheorgescu’s messages are often simplified, divisive, and lacking in nuance. The spread of disinformation and the amplification of extremist views online pose a significant threat to informed decision-making in a democratic society.
**Section 2: Populism in Europe and the Role of Social Media**
**Host:** Dr. Vlad, the article mentions that some commentators see Gheorgescu’s success as a sign of “Trump-style populism” spreading across Europe. How accurate is this assessment, and what are its implications for Romanian politics and beyond?
**Dr. Vlad:** Comparisons to Trump are not entirely inaccurate. Gheorgescu shares similar traits: a populist message focused on nationalism, anti-establishment rhetoric, and a disregard for traditional political norms. His platform resonates with a segment of the population disillusioned with the perceived failures of the political elite and anxious about social and economic changes.
**Host:** Professor Miller, how do platforms like TikTok contribute to the rise of populist figures?
**Professor Miller:** Platforms like TikTok are algorithm-driven, prioritizing content that attracts engagement and keeps users scrolling. Sensationalist, emotionally charged content, often with simplified narratives and exaggerated claims, tends to perform well. This can create echo chambers where users are exposed to a narrow range of views, reinforcing their existing prejudices and making them more susceptible to populist messaging.
**Section 3: Romania’s Future: Implications for Foreign Policy and Democracy**
**Host:** Dr. Vlad, Gheorgescu’s pro-Russian stance and calls for ending support for Ukraine are highly controversial, considering Romania’s position as a NATO member bordering Ukraine. How might his potential victory impact Romania’s foreign policy and relationship with its Western allies?
**Dr. Vlad:** A Gheorgescu presidency could have significant repercussions for Romania’s foreign policy. His pro-Russian stance, while gaining traction among a segment of the population, could strain relationships with NATO allies and potentially destabilize the region.
**Host:** Professor Miller, looking ahead, what lessons can be learned from this election and what steps can be taken to address the challenges posed by the rise of populism and online disinformation?
**Professor Miller:** This election serves as a wake-up call. We need to invest in media literacy, improve regulation of social media platforms to address the spread of disinformation, and foster critical thinking skills among citizens. Open dialog about these complex issues is crucial for the health of our democracies.
**Closing Remarks**
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Vlad and Professor Miller, for sharing your valuable insights. This election highlights the complex interplay of social, political, and technological factors shaping contemporary political landscapes.
The world will be watching as Romanians head back to the polls on December 8th to decide their country’s future.
