Europe’s Dance with Extremism: Romania’s Presidential Elections Are a Warning

Political extremism in Europe is no longer subtle, it’s out in the open. From far-right regimes in Hungary and Poland to the radical-left populists in southern Europe, extremism has gone mainstream. Economic instability, social divides, and distrust in traditional politics have left voters scrambling for answers, no matter how dangerous. And Romania, is no exception. This weekend’s presidential elections were a reminder of just how fragile democracy can be.

Let me introduce you to Călin Georgescu, who managed to secure 23% of the votes and is now facing Elena Lasconi in the runoff. He has built his platform on conspiracy theories, anti-vaccine rhetoric, and an alarming admiration for Vladimir Putin. He wants to ban abortions, dismisses feminism as “nonsense,” and plans on pulling Romania away from its Western allies. It’s horrifying to think that such a candidate isn’t just on the ballot but could seriously become president.

Even more alarming? When you add the 14% who voted for another extremist candidate, 37% of Romanian voters chose platforms steeped in nationalism, isolationism, and authoritarian rhetoric. That’s more than a third of the population leaning toward anti-democratic ideals.

Why is this happening? It’s not just because rural Romania is still mired in poverty, with failing infrastructure and underfunded schools, or because urban centers are buckling under housing crises and stagnant wages. Sure, those things matter, but let’s call it what it is: a failure of leadership. Decades of corruption and inefficiency have eroded public trust. People aren’t just frustrated; they’re desperate. And desperation is ground for extremists who peddle easy, hateful solutions to complex problems.

But this isn’t just about Romania. Europe is grappling with inflation, economic uncertainty, and the fallout from two wars, one of which is right on our doorstep. These crises have pushed voters across the continent toward the political fringes. The difference is that Romania, as a young democracy, doesn’t have the same safeguards. We’re just three decades removed from dictatorship, yet some seem to forget easily, even longing for aspects of the past.

On the other side is Elena Lasconi, the woman who could make history as Romania’s first female president. Her candidacy should be a moment of pride, a sign of progress. Instead, it’s overshadowed by the toxic rhetoric of her opponent. Georgescu’s supporters are loud, determined, and growing in numbers, and the outcome of this election feels far too uncertain for comfort.

Here’s what I believe: Romania can still change course. We’re not over the threshold yet, and we don’t have to be. Voting for Lasconi isn’t just about rejecting Georgescu, it’s about choosing a path toward democracy, transparency, and alignment with the Western values we’ve worked so hard to adopt.

The truth is, this election is bigger than Romania. It’s a warning for all of Europe: extremism isn’t a fringe movement anymore, it’s knocking on the door of power. And if we don’t start addressing the economic and social divides that fuel it, the very foundations of democracy will be at risk.

The stakes couldn’t be higher, and for Romania, the second round of voting may very well decide whether we move forward, or let desperation pull us backward.

Photo: (politicalaminut) https://www.instagram.com/p/DCyRyRkt6I9/?igsh=cndnbjl2c2J6anVi&img_index=1