Imagine a scenario where Romania, once known for its loyalty to the EU and NATO, starts to lean towards Russia. That’s what’s happening with the rise of Georgescu, a TikTok sensation with a surprising 3. 8 million followers. He’s not part of any political party but speaks directly to the people, rejecting Western views, and doesn’t shy away from criticizing the mainstream media. Elena Lasconi, a reformist set to face him in the December 8 runoff, is worried. She thinks this shift could make Romania fall under Russia’s influence again, like it did after World War II.

Why does this matter? Romania has been a trusted ally for the EU and NATO. If it starts to veer towards Russia, it could split the EU and make it tougher for member countries to agree on things. It's like when you’re in a group project and one person suddenly changes sides—it makes it harder for everyone else to work together.

This isn’t just happening in Romania. There are concerns about elections in Moldova and Georgia. Countries like Hungary and Slovakia already have leaders with pro-Russia views. If former Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš wins next year’s election, more countries could join this camp. Georgescu fits this pattern, and his rise is part of Russia’s plan to shake up European democracy.

So, what does this mean? It’s a wake-up call for Romania and the rest of the EU. They need to figure out how to make sure people aren’t so frustrated with the current system that they turn to Russia. It’s like fixing a leaky roof before it rains.

Romania's Shift to Far-Right, Pro-Russia Stance Worries EU and NATO

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