Thousands of Romanians gathered in University Square in central Bucharest on Thursday night to show support for European values ahead of an election in which polls suggest a radical far-right isolationist, who has been sympathetic to Russia, could take power.
Several thousand people have gathered in Romania in support of a pro-European presidential candidate days before the crucial vote, fearing that their democratic rights are under threat.
About 3,000 gathered in University Square in the capital, Bucharest, waving European Union flags and chanting “Freedom” and “Europe.”
In the first round on November 24th, far-right outsider Calin Gorgescu, a former admirer of Russian President Vladimir Putin, won the most votes, raising fears about the future of the EU and NATO member state and sparking protests, especially among young people.
Gorgescu will face Elena Lasconi, leader of the centrist, pro-European USR party, in the second round on Sunday.
In recent days, Gorgescu has avoided answering questions about his previous praise for Putin and his “Russian wisdom.”
A critic of the EU and NATO, he says he does not want to leave either group, but wants to put Romania “on the world map,” AFP reports.
Photo: France 24 YouTube channel
