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Suceava, Bucovina, ROMANIA – In our most recent elections, Romanian voters thought they were helping shape our country’s future. By getting involved and making our voices heard, they were participating in democracy.
But what happens when our right to choose is taken away?
In Romania’s presidential elections there are two rounds of voting. The first round is where everyone votes for the preferred candidate.
If no one gets more than 50% of the vote, the two candidates with the most votes move on to the second round. In the 2024 election, the two main candidates after the first round were Călin Georgescu and Elena Lasconi.
Georgescu is a far-right nationalist candidate who was pretty controversial because he’s openly pro-Russian and anti-NATO.
According to the European Digital Media Observatory – an organization dedicated to dispelling misinformation online – investigations have revealed that Georgescu’s presidential campaign received substantial support from Russian-backed entities. Reports indicate dozens of websites coordinated from Russia along with various telegram channels promoting his candidacy, according to the EDMO.
Lasconi secured the second highest number of votes in the first round, advancing to the runoff against Georgescu. Unlike Georgescu who was a virtual unknown, she had built a reputation in the political scene.
Lasconi became the mayor of Câmpulung in 2020, defeating a long-time Social Democrat candidate. As mayor, she improved the town with new green spaces, better healthcare and infrastructure, while also securing European funds for local projects.
She focused on transparency, anti-corruption, and boosting the local economy.
In 2024, she became president of the Save Romania Union (USR), a key political party, and ran for president. She reached the second round of elections, showing her strong influence in Romanian politics. She believes in democracy, transparency, and backing Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
Georgescu faced criticism after photos emerged of him on the Euronews website with Horațiu Potra, a former mercenary under investigation for illegal activities.
Georgescu referred to Ukraine as an “invented state” and suggested that Romania should reclaim territories in Ukraine with ethnic Romanian population.
As a young Romanian, I find his statements deeply troubling and inhumane.
During the war between Ukraine and Russia, my family hosted two Ukrainian refugees, people who had fled their country to escape the dangers of war, leaving behind their homes and loved ones.
We managed to communicate in English, sharing stories and experiences. As Romanians, I believe it’s our duty to support our neighbors during their time of need.
Lasconi is admired for her leadership, transforming her town, and for her vision of a better, pro-European Romania.
Most young people support Elena Lasconi because of her progressive values, pro-European stance and her focus on creating a better future for Romania.
But the Constitutional Court annulled the election results due to allegations that Russian interference favored Georgescu.
The second round of the presidential election is scheduled for May 18, 2025.
“Democracy is not a spectator sport,” said Romanian poet Ana Bladiana in a televised interview last year. “We have to be involved.”
Since I am under 18, I can’t participate in the upcoming election, but I hope Lasconi wins.
I believe her leadership would steer Romania towards a more democratic future.
Patricia Stan is a Junior Reporter with Youth Journalism International.
