In the Romanian village of Pestera, 45 percent of residents have emigrated, with farmland largely acquired by foreigners and local elites. The village's only commercial establishment, apart from farming, is a German-owned convenience store. Most families have at least one member working abroad, while those who remained were, until recently, awaiting the potential candidacy of ultranationalist Calin Georgescu, who promised jobs and dignity to the populace.
Mr. Georgescu received 46 percent of the vote in Pestera during the initial round of the presidential election. The village, characterized by its lack of infrastructure and distance from the capital, Bucharest, exemplifies the discontent in Romania's rural areas, where nationalism serves as a vehicle for expressing frustration with the political establishment, perceived as corrupt and overly influenced by the European Union.
On November 24, Mr. Georgescu won the first election round in Pestera, with the majority of votes going to him and two other nationalist candidates. However, Romania’s constitutional court annulled the results just days before the scheduled runoff with pro-European centrist candidate Elena Lasconi, aiming to ensure a lawful electoral process.
This decision followed government claims of “hybrid attacks” from Russia, alleged to have skewed the vote in favor of Mr. Georgescu, although no substantial evidence was provided. Mr. Georgescu, known for his admiration of Russian President Vladimir Putin, was expected to perform well in the postponed runoff.
The village's mayor expressed surprise and concern over the appeal of Mr. Georgescu, noting that many residents who had previously supported her in local elections shifted their votes after being influenced by his TikTok campaign. The court's decision to void the election results is seen as a gamble, with hopes that it will allow villagers to reassess their support for Mr. Georgescu.
Despite a lack of public protests in response to the court ruling, Mr. Georgescu condemned it as an anti-democratic act. He called on supporters to gather at polling stations, although participation has been muted due to inclement weather and an ongoing investigation into campaign financing violations.
Some villagers foresee potential unrest, attributing this expectation to social media narratives. Many residents, who have worked abroad, are hopeful that Mr. Georgescu's leadership could lead to improved job opportunities at home. Frustrations with current elites have led some to express nostalgic sentiments for Romania’s communist past, suggesting that former dictator Nicolae Ceausescu would be embraced in Pestera if he were alive today.
Despite Romania's economic growth and progress since joining the European Union, disparities remain significant, with 40 percent of the population still reliant on subsistence agriculture. Emigration has left a lasting impact on communities, creating an environment conducive to Mr. Georgescu's populist message aimed at job creation and reducing inequalities.
In a recent interview, he emphasized the need for Romanians to maintain majority ownership in foreign ventures and to prioritize domestic interests. His rhetoric resonates with those who feel abandoned by the government, particularly in the context of international aid directed towards Ukraine. As the authorities seek strategies to counter Mr. Georgescu's growing influence, the political landscape in Romania remains uncertain.