The victory of ultranationalist Călin Georgescu is sparking fear that Romania could slide into the growing pro-Moscow camp.

A controversial right-wing populist TikTok star is leading in polls to be the next Romanian president, with views that could spell trouble for NATO and support for Ukraine. Romania witnessed the greatest electoral upset since emerging from communist rule in 1989 on Sunday,

In what may go down as one of Europe's more stunning election cycles in years, a largely unknown illiberal ultranationalist infused with conspiracy theories won the first round of presidential elections in Romania.

Reformist presidential hopeful Elena Lasconi told Romanians on Monday they faced an “existential fight” for their democracy and needed to rally to defeat a far-right candidate who would push the country back toward Russia and the dark days of dictatorship.

A far-right, pro- Putin candidate just secured the most votes in the first round of Romania’s presidential election. It means the populist Călin Georgescu is in with a chance of becoming the new president of the eastern European country – and Romania’s support for Ukraine could therefore be in jeopardy.

A hard-right critic of NATO who has praised Russia is set to face a centre-right opposition leader in a presidential election run-off in Romania that could undermine its pro-Western stance after a shock outcome in the first-round vote.

Calin Georgescu takes shock lead in Romania’s presidential election A far-right, pro-Russia candidate has won the first round of Romania’s presidential elections. Calin Georgescu has defied the polls and surprised the political establishment.