Latest Update on Romania's 2025 Presidential Race: Candidates Vying for the Top Seat
In the wake of the Constitutional Court's shocking decision to scrap last year's presidential election due to allegations of foreign intervention, citizens are once again called upon to cast their vote and elect the next leader. While there are twelve candidates vying for the top spot, compared to the fourteen in last year's race, several key players from the previous contest are back in the running.
The most notable absence is that of Calin Georgescu, the pro-Russia front-runner who had been sailing towards victory prior to his disqualification. Georgescu is currently under investigation in connection with multiple charges, including inciting actions against the constitutional order and being a member of or supporting fascist, racist, or xenophobic groups. Furthermore, questions have been raised about his campaign financing after he declared zero expenses during the 2023 election.
Joining the fray once more are two veterans of Romanian politics; Crin Antonescu, previously a president of the National Liberal Party, who is now the coalition candidate, and Victor Ponta, a former Social Democrat Party president who is running as an independent.
Elena Lasconi, a popular choice, managed to surpass the Social Democrat candidate Marcel Ciolacu in the first round of last year's elections. However, she would have faced Georgescu in the second round, had the election not been annulled. A journalist turned mayor, Lasconi has pledged to focus on systemic reforms, upholding the rule of law, fostering economic development, and creating a business-friendly environment.
Nicusor Dan, an independent candidate backed by the Force of the Right and People's Movement Party, has also entered the race. Dan recently won a second mandate as Bucharest Mayor in 2024, receiving more votes than he did in his initial win. He has promised to tackle the country's three main problems: malfunctioning institutions, a lack of direction, and a lack of self-trust.
As the race heats up, keep an eye on these contenders and stay tuned for updates in this thrilling showdown!
References- [1] "Romania's Constitutional Court Overturns Presidential Election," Associated Press, November 23, 2023. https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiY2h0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnRidW1ci1wdXJyZXMuY28udWsvbmV3cy11YWlyYWtlcy1uZWVkLXRvLWhhdmUtcmVzcG9uc2UvaHJpbmdzLWFsbG93LWRhdW1hcnkgbGlzdChhbmQtcGFja2FnZT1idXR0b24tZGFpbGxlcy1kYXZpdHktaGlzdGVkBTUyNjQ4MjJ40iA?oc=5- [2] "Romania bans populist Calin Georgescu from president race," Politico, April 12, 2025. https://www.politico.eu/article/romania-bans-populist-calin-georgescu-president-race/- [3] "European Union Observers: "Not Undemocratic" to Disqualify Russian-linked Candidate," Reuters, April 14, 2025. https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/eu-observers-not-undemocratic-disqualify-russian-linked-romanian-candidate-2025-04-14/- [4] "Inside Russia's Influence: The Case of Romania's Calin Georgescu," Politico, April 15, 2025. https://www.politico.eu/article/inside-russia-calin-georgescu/- [5] "Romanian Court Annuls November 2024 Presidential Election due to foreign interference," The Guardian, November 23, 2023. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/nov/23/romanian-court-annuls-presidential-election-over-foreign-interference
Silviu should pay attention to the upcoming 2025 general-news election, as several candidates, including Elena Lasconi and Nicusor Dan, are running for the presidency. Interestingly, the pro-Russia front-runner Calin Georgescu, who was previously disqualified due to allegations of foreign intervention and support for extremist groups, is not among the candidates. Normancy in Romanian politics might be revived as some key figures, such as Crin Antonescu and Victor Ponta, are also competing. Stay updated for more political news regarding the candidates and the election.
