BUCHAREST: A far-right, pro-Russia candidate took a surprise lead on Monday in Romania`s presidential election, bolstering his party`s hopes for a parliamentary vote this week that could usher in a strategic shift for the east European Nato member.

Calin Georgescu was in pole position with 23pc after the first round of voting on Sunday, a political earthquake in the country of 19 million people that has so far resisted nationalist appeals that have gained traction in neighbouring countries.

His victory and the second-place showing by Elena Lasconi, a centre-right mayor, ended the hopes of Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu to compete for the presidency in the second-round runoff on Dec 8.

Lasconi scored 19.18pc, ahead of the 19.15 won by Ciolacu, who told reporters that his Social Democratic Party (PSD) `won`t challenge` the narrow result, and announced his resignation as party leader.

Experts say the far right`s surprise success could profoundly affect the parliamentary elections later this week, by making it difficult to form a viable coalition government.

Extremist forces and Lasconi`s centre-right party now have `wind in their sails`, sociologist Gelu Duminica said, though `it remains to be seen if they know how to capitalise` on it.

Georgescu`s standing surged ahead of the vote with a viral TikTok campaign calling for an end to aid for Ukraine, which shares a 650-kilometre (400-mile) border with Romania.

He has also sounded a sceptical note on Romania`s Nato membership, a key issue as the defence alliance arms Kyiv in its fight against Russia`s invasion launched in 2022.

`Tonight, the Romanian people criedout for peace. And they shouted very loudly, extremely loudly,` Georgescu said.

`The far right is by far the big winner of this election,` political scientist Cristian Pirvulescu told AFP of the result that sent shock waves across the country. Maria Chis, 70, said she was surprised by Georgescu`s lead in the first round but had been impressed after watching his TikTok videos.

`He seems a man of integrity, serious and patriotic. He inspires seriousness. I think only someone like him can bring change,` said the pensioner, who shunned the ballot but said she was planning to vote for Georgescu in the second round. Alex Tudose, the owner of a construction company, was gloomy.-AFP