According to the latest survey conducted by SOCIOPOL, if presidential elections were held next Sunday, Calin Georgescu would receive 50% of the vote. He's a strong ranking leader, well ahead of the another candidates.
The second was the current Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, whose support is 20%. The 3rd position was taken by Mircea Geoană, erstwhile abroad Minister and current legislature President, with a 12% score. The remaining candidates received little than 10% of the vote and the number of undecided voters was 8%.
Characteristics of candidates
Calin Georgescu
Calin Georgescu, the poll leader, is simply a controversial figure on the Romanian political scene. Known for its uncompromising views and harsh criticism of the European Union, it is presented as the voice of average citizens. His run focuses on the slogans of national sovereignty, opposition to abroad interference and administrative reform. Georgescu gained popularity through direct communication kind and appeals to dissatisfied social groups.
Marcel Ciolacu
Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, representing the Social Democratic organization of Romania (PSD), focuses on stableness and economical development. His run is dominated by topics related to infrastructure investments and support for the mediate class. Ciolac has long built its image of an experienced policy capable of negotiating internationally. His support comes primarily from agrarian areas and older electorate.
Mircea Geoană
Mircea Geoană is an experienced politician and diplomat who earned designation for her commitment to abroad policy. Its run is based on promoting European integration and the modernisation of Romania. Geoană emphasises the request to strengthen democratic institutions and defend civilian rights. Her electorate is primarily voters from large cities and representatives of the advanced class.
Cancellation of election results
The first circular of presidential elections in Romania, held in November 2024, was annulled by the Romanian Constitutional Court. The best score unexpectedly recorded Georgescu: 22.94 %. The decision was made as a consequence of suspicion of external interference, mainly from Russia. The Court found that there were crucial irregularities which might have affected the result of the vote.
In consequence to these allegations, fresh presidential election dates were set. The first circular is scheduled to take place on 4 May 2025 and the eventual second circular on 18 May 2025. The election run was resumed and the candidates were given additional time to present their election programs and get fresh voters.
Interpretation of results
The consequence of Calina Georgescu points to the increasing popularity of anti-establishment groups in Romania, which fits into a wider trend seen in another countries of Central and east Europe. A crucial increase in support besides shows the frustration of Romanians, dissatisfied with the decision to cancel the results of November. At the same time, Mircea Geoana's low score suggests that conventional pro-European parties have difficulty attracting fresh voters.
It is besides worth noting that 8% of indecisive voters can play a key function in the second circular of elections if it occurs. The political situation in Romania remains dynamic, and subsequent weeks of campaigns can bring crucial changes in voters' preferences.
