Russia said Monday it did not know much about a pro-Moscow Romanian politician who is in pole position to become the EU member's next president.

Far-right candidate Calin Georgescu, who has criticised NATO and Bucharest's support for Ukraine, led the first round of Romania's presidential election, held Sunday, to face a little-known mayor in the second round early next month.

"I can't say that we are very familiar with the worldview of this candidate, as far as it concerns relations with our country," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday.

"As for the current leadership, Romania is not a friendly country to us, and we will continue to follow how things develop," he added.

Georgescu has surged in recent days with a viral TikTok campaign calling for an end to aid for Ukraine. He has also sounded a sceptical note on Romania's NATO membership.&nbsp;

A victory in a second round contest, set for December 8, would be a political earthquake in the country of 19 million, a NATO member that has so far resisted nationalist posturing, setting itself apart from the likes of Hungary and Slovakia.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience. 
&nbsp;

Russia said Monday it did not know much about a pro-Moscow Romanian politician who is in pole position to become the EU member's next president. Far-right candidate Calin Georgescu, who has criticised NATO and Bucharest's support for Ukraine, led the first round of Romania's presidential election, held Sunday, to face a little-known mayor in the second round early next month.

Russia said Monday it did not know much about a pro-Moscow Romanian politician who is in pole position to become the EU member's next president. Far-right candidate Calin Georgescu, who has criticised NATO and Bucharest's support for Ukraine, led the first round of Romania's presidential election, held Sunday, to face a little-known mayor in the second round early next month. "I can't say that we are very familiar with the worldview of this candidate, as far as it concerns relations with our country," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday. "As for the current leadership, Romania is not a friendly country to us, and we will continue to follow how things develop," he added. Georgescu has surged in recent days with a viral TikTok campaign calling for an end to aid for Ukraine. He has also sounded a sceptical note on Romania's NATO membership. A victory in a second round contest, set for December 8, would be a political earthquake in the country of 19 million, a NATO member that has so far resisted nationalist posturing, setting itself apart from the likes of Hungary and Slovakia. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Romanian polls: Russia says it’s not familiar with pro-Moscow contender Calin Georgescu

Romanians were voting Sunday in the first round of a presidential election amid a surge in inflation and fears over the war in neighbouring Ukraine that could favour far-right leader George Simion.

The vote kicks off two weeks of elections in the poor NATO member country, including a parliamentary vote and a December 8 presidential run-off.&nbsp;

Social Democrat Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu is leading a field of 13 hopefuls in the polls, with about 25 per cent, followed by AUR leader Simion on 15 to 19 per cent.

Simion is targeting people like Rodica, a 69-year-old who was among the first to vote in Bucharest's chilly sunshine. The pensioner, who would not give a family name, was afraid of the Ukraine war and wanted "better living conditions and peace".

The stakes are high in the race to replace President Klaus Iohannis, a liberal and staunch Ukraine ally, who has held the largely ceremonial post since 2014.

Romania, which has a 650-kilometre (400-mile) border with Ukraine, has become more important since Russia invaded its neighbour in 2022.

The Black Sea nation now plays a "vital strategic role" for NATO – as it is home to more than 5,000 soldiers –&nbsp;and the transit of Ukrainian grain, the New Strategy Center think tank said.

<h2>Big Trump fan</h2>

Simion, 38, is hoping to make a breakthrough as far-right parties across Europe notch up electoral successes.

Donald Trump's victory in the US presidential election has further "complicated" Romania's choice, political analyst Cristian Pirvulescu told AFP.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shootout-near-israeli-embassy-in-jordan-govt-says-shooting-was-terror-attack-targeting-security-forces-778812">Shootout near Israeli embassy in Jordan: Govt says shooting was terror attack targeting security forces</a>

Known for his fiery speeches, Simion – a Trump fan who sometimes dons a red cap in appreciation of his idol – hopes to get a boost from his victory.

Simion opposes sending military aid to Ukraine, wants a "more patriotic Romania" and frequently lashes out against what he calls the "greedy corrupt bubble" in Brussels.

Romania has so far only had "minions and cowards as leaders", he recently said, adding that people "no longer accept to be treated as second-class citizens" in other countries. &nbsp;

Simion has seen his popularity surge by tapping into voter anger over record inflation – 10 per cent last year and 5.5% predicted for 2024 – while promising to deliver affordable housing for all.&nbsp;

Should he reach the second round, analyst Pirvulescu predicts a "contagion effect" that would likely boost his AUR party in the December parliamentary election.

"Romanian democracy is in danger for the first time since the fall of communism in 1989," he added.

<h2>Russian 'spies' claim</h2>

"I'm really afraid we'll end up with Simion in the second round," 36-year-old IT worker Oana Diaconu told AFP, expressing concern about the far-right leader's unpredictable nature and attacks on the European Union.

The campaign has been marked by controversy and personal attacks, with Simion facing accusations of meeting with Russian spies – a claim he has denied.

Ciolacu has been criticised for his use of private jets.&nbsp;

Despite low popularity ratings, he hopes to win over voters with his promise of "stability" for Romania.

Ciolacu's Social Democratic Party (PSD), which has shaped the country's politics for more than three decades, currently governs in a coalition with the National Liberal Party.

Polling in third place is former journalist Elena Lasconi, who became mayor of the small town of Campulung and head of a centre-right opposition party, who could prove to be a surprise package.

"Our best hope might be to wake up with Lasconi in the second round – she seems to be the most honest candidate," said Diaconu before hopping on a Bucharest tram.

Polling stations opened at 7:00 am (0500 GMT) and close at 9:00 pm, with exit polls expected shortly after.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Romanians were voting Sunday in the first round of a presidential election amid a surge in inflation and fears over the war in neighbouring Ukraine that could favour far-right leader George Simion.

Romanians were voting Sunday in the first round of a presidential election amid a surge in inflation and fears over the war in neighbouring Ukraine that could favour far-right leader George Simion. The vote kicks off two weeks of elections in the poor NATO member country, including a parliamentary vote and a December 8 presidential run-off. Social Democrat Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu is leading a field of 13 hopefuls in the polls, with about 25 per cent, followed by AUR leader Simion on 15 to 19 per cent. Simion is targeting people like Rodica, a 69-year-old who was among the first to vote in Bucharest's chilly sunshine. The pensioner, who would not give a family name, was afraid of the Ukraine war and wanted "better living conditions and peace". The stakes are high in the race to replace President Klaus Iohannis, a liberal and staunch Ukraine ally, who has held the largely ceremonial post since 2014. Romania, which has a 650-kilometre (400-mile) border with Ukraine, has become more important since Russia invaded its neighbour in 2022. The Black Sea nation now plays a "vital strategic role" for NATO – as it is home to more than 5,000 soldiers – and the transit of Ukrainian grain, the New Strategy Center think tank said. Big Trump fan Simion, 38, is hoping to make a breakthrough as far-right parties across Europe notch up electoral successes. Donald Trump's victory in the US presidential election has further "complicated" Romania's choice, political analyst Cristian Pirvulescu told AFP. Also read | Shootout near Israeli embassy in Jordan: Govt says shooting was terror attack targeting security forces Known for his fiery speeches, Simion – a Trump fan who sometimes dons a red cap in appreciation of his idol – hopes to get a boost from his victory. Simion opposes sending military aid to Ukraine, wants a "more patriotic Romania" and frequently lashes out against what he calls the "greedy corrupt bubble" in Brussels. Romania has so far only had "minions and cowards as leaders", he recently said, adding that people "no longer accept to be treated as second-class citizens" in other countries. Simion has seen his popularity surge by tapping into voter anger over record inflation – 10 per cent last year and 5.5% predicted for 2024 – while promising to deliver affordable housing for all. Should he reach the second round, analyst Pirvulescu predicts a "contagion effect" that would likely boost his AUR party in the December parliamentary election. "Romanian democracy is in danger for the first time since the fall of communism in 1989," he added. Russian 'spies' claim "I'm really afraid we'll end up with Simion in the second round," 36-year-old IT worker Oana Diaconu told AFP, expressing concern about the far-right leader's unpredictable nature and attacks on the European Union. The campaign has been marked by controversy and personal attacks, with Simion facing accusations of meeting with Russian spies – a claim he has denied. Ciolacu has been criticised for his use of private jets. Despite low popularity ratings, he hopes to win over voters with his promise of "stability" for Romania. Ciolacu's Social Democratic Party (PSD), which has shaped the country's politics for more than three decades, currently governs in a coalition with the National Liberal Party. Polling in third place is former journalist Elena Lasconi, who became mayor of the small town of Campulung and head of a centre-right opposition party, who could prove to be a surprise package. "Our best hope might be to wake up with Lasconi in the second round – she seems to be the most honest candidate," said Diaconu before hopping on a Bucharest tram. Polling stations opened at 7:00 am (0500 GMT) and close at 9:00 pm, with exit polls expected shortly after. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Far-right leaders eye breakthrough in Romania presidential elections

Romania&#39;s left staged an emphatic comeback in parliamentary elections Sunday, exit polls indicated, a year after a deadly nightclub fire forced them from office in the EU`s second-poorest country.

Mass protests after the fire on October 30, 2015 that claimed 64 lives -- and which was blamed on corruption -- forced premier Victor Ponta and his Social Democrats (PSD) to resign.

But exit polls on Sunday, 13 months later, put the PSD well ahead its rivals on around 45 percent of the vote, even better than expected.

The rival centre-right National Liberal Party (PNL) trailed on around 21 percent, while their allies the Save Romania Union (USR), newly created by a mathematician-turned-activist, was on nine percent.

It remains to be seen if the left can form a majority government, however -- much will depend on which of the smaller parties make it into parliament -- and who might be prime minister.

Official results weren&#39;t due before Monday.

Romania has been run since Ponta&#39;s departure by a caretaker government under technocrat Prime Minister Dacian Ciolos, 47, a former European commissioner.

The PNL and the USR have said they would support Ciolos staying on. He is happy to do so but wants to remain an independent, vowing continued budgetary discipline.

But the PSD wants to install instead party head Liviu Dragnea, 54, as premier.

However, Dragnea is serving a suspended sentence for electoral fraud, which legally bars him from office, while President Klaus Iohannis, 57, has refused to appoint anyone with legal problems as premier.

This would also exclude a comeback by Ponta, 44, currently on trial -- in fact he was already in the dock as prime minister -- for alleged tax evasion and money laundering, charges he denies.The inferno inside the Colectiv club was blamed on bent officials turning a blind eye to a lack of fire precautions. Poor medical care exacerbated the death toll.

For many Romanians it was the final straw, and the tragedy prompted a push to clean Romania up.

The National Anti-Corruption Directorate (DNA) has been highly active and visible, bringing ministers, senators, lawmakers and other public officials to justice.

A recent survey suggested that 95 percent of Romanians want tackling corruption to be a priority for the next government.

But there are worries this will not happen if the PSD returns to power.

The clean-up has &quot;disproportionately hit the Romanian left,&quot; said Tsveta Petrova from risk consultancy Eurasia Group.

&quot;As a result, should a left-led coalition come to power, it will try to slow down this campaign.&quot;But the PSD enjoys strong support among older Romanians and in rural areas of the southeastern European nation of 20 million people.

However, 27 years after the summary execution of dictator Nicolae Ceausescu and the end of Communism, voter apathy is rife, with turnout forecast to be barely 40 percent.

Both sides, while trading insults and generally avoiding serious political discussion during the campaign, have pledged spectacular hikes in wages and pensions as well as tax cuts.

Such promises, however unaffordable, go down well in a nation where more than half of rural households have no running water and one in four people lives in poverty. Three million people have emigrated.

At the same time, however, the nationalist and anti-EU rhetoric seen in other countries in the region like Hungary and Poland has been largely, if not entirely, absent.

&quot;Our Romania is completely destroyed. We can`t live here any more. There are no jobs, people are going abroad,&quot; Marin Oana, a voter in the poor southern village of Singureni, told AFP.

&quot;I hope that (the politicians) grasp what the problems are in our society and invest in health care and education,&quot; said Denisa Grajdan, another voter in the same village.

(AFP) 
 
 
&nbsp;

Left's return to power, if happens, would be a year after a deadly nightclub fire forced them from office

Romania's left staged an emphatic comeback in parliamentary elections Sunday, exit polls indicated, a year after a deadly nightclub fire forced them from office in the EU`s second-poorest country. Mass protests after the fire on October 30, 2015 that claimed 64 lives -- and which was blamed on corruption -- forced premier Victor Ponta and his Social Democrats (PSD) to resign. But exit polls on Sunday, 13 months later, put the PSD well ahead its rivals on around 45 percent of the vote, even better than expected. The rival centre-right National Liberal Party (PNL) trailed on around 21 percent, while their allies the Save Romania Union (USR), newly created by a mathematician-turned-activist, was on nine percent. It remains to be seen if the left can form a majority government, however -- much will depend on which of the smaller parties make it into parliament -- and who might be prime minister. Official results weren't due before Monday. Romania has been run since Ponta's departure by a caretaker government under technocrat Prime Minister Dacian Ciolos, 47, a former European commissioner. The PNL and the USR have said they would support Ciolos staying on. He is happy to do so but wants to remain an independent, vowing continued budgetary discipline. But the PSD wants to install instead party head Liviu Dragnea, 54, as premier. However, Dragnea is serving a suspended sentence for electoral fraud, which legally bars him from office, while President Klaus Iohannis, 57, has refused to appoint anyone with legal problems as premier. This would also exclude a comeback by Ponta, 44, currently on trial -- in fact he was already in the dock as prime minister -- for alleged tax evasion and money laundering, charges he denies.The inferno inside the Colectiv club was blamed on bent officials turning a blind eye to a lack of fire precautions. Poor medical care exacerbated the death toll. For many Romanians it was the final straw, and the tragedy prompted a push to clean Romania up. The National Anti-Corruption Directorate (DNA) has been highly active and visible, bringing ministers, senators, lawmakers and other public officials to justice. A recent survey suggested that 95 percent of Romanians want tackling corruption to be a priority for the next government. But there are worries this will not happen if the PSD returns to power. The clean-up has "disproportionately hit the Romanian left," said Tsveta Petrova from risk consultancy Eurasia Group. "As a result, should a left-led coalition come to power, it will try to slow down this campaign."But the PSD enjoys strong support among older Romanians and in rural areas of the southeastern European nation of 20 million people. However, 27 years after the summary execution of dictator Nicolae Ceausescu and the end of Communism, voter apathy is rife, with turnout forecast to be barely 40 percent. Both sides, while trading insults and generally avoiding serious political discussion during the campaign, have pledged spectacular hikes in wages and pensions as well as tax cuts. Such promises, however unaffordable, go down well in a nation where more than half of rural households have no running water and one in four people lives in poverty. Three million people have emigrated. At the same time, however, the nationalist and anti-EU rhetoric seen in other countries in the region like Hungary and Poland has been largely, if not entirely, absent. "Our Romania is completely destroyed. We can`t live here any more. There are no jobs, people are going abroad," Marin Oana, a voter in the poor southern village of Singureni, told AFP. "I hope that (the politicians) grasp what the problems are in our society and invest in health care and education," said Denisa Grajdan, another voter in the same village. (AFP)

Romania Left set for a comeback in parliamentary elections: Exit polls