Kremlin-controlled news agencies note the rise of Călin Georgescu in the first round of the presidential elections in Romania, and RIA Novosti writes that he supports an alliance with Russia.
Ria Novosti, the state-controlled Russian news agency, reported on Sunday evening, on Telegram, that Elena Lasconi, the leader of USR, „a supporter of anti-Russia policies,” is leading in the Romanian elections ahead of Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, citing initial data from electoral authorities.
The agency later posted a new message on Telegram after a few hours, announcing that Prime Minister Ciolacu and a supporter of an alliance with Russia (Georgescu) will advance to the second round of the elections for the head of Romania, according to BEC data after processing 75.6% of the ballots.
"A supporter of joining with Russia, Georgescu surpasses Prime Minister Ciolacu," RIA Novosti announced again, citing data after counting over 82% of the votes.
The Russian news agency TASS notes that Georgescu is leading in the first round of the presidential elections in Romania.
Georgescu is reserved regarding Romania's NATO membership and has cautiously insisted on normalizing relations with Russia, TASS writes.
Since a presidential candidate needed to obtain at least 50% plus 1 vote of the total votes to be elected in the first round, the country will hold a runoff election on December 8, the agency mentions.
Kommersant writes that Călin Georgescu's result was a surprise, as his chances were very low according to polls.
"Georgescu conducted his election campaign on TikTok and supported traditional values, but also spoke positively about the Romanian army, which fought on the side of Nazi Germany in World War II. Călin Georgescu also believes that the country's NATO membership does not guarantee its security," the newspaper notes, citing RIA Novosti.