According to this data, the independent candidate Călin Georgescu received the highest support at 22.95%.
Politico describes Georgescu as an "extremely religious and nationalist" politician who claimed that Russia's war against Ukraine is allegedly "manipulated by American military companies." Georgescu also referred to the illegitimate president of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, as a "man who loves his country" and echoed his propaganda statements (for instance, that the U.S. missile defense site in Romania is "part of a confrontational policy").
In second place was the pro-Western leader of the "Union for the Salvation of Romania" party, Elena Lasconi, the mayor of the city of Câmpulung, with 19.17%. She surpassed the current Prime Minister of Romania, Marcel Ciolacu, the leader of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), by just 2,297 votes, as he garnered 19.15%. The remaining fractions of a percent will not affect the outcome of the first round of the elections.
During the vote counting, Ciolacu held the second position for a long time, with a lead over Lasconi of more than 5%.
Thirteen candidates participated in the first round of the Romanian presidential elections. Two different exit polls, the results of which are provided by Digi24, indicated that Ciolacu (supported by 25% of those surveyed) and Lasconi (18%) would participate in the second round of elections.
Voter turnout was reported to be 52.4%, according to data from the Central Election Bureau.