populism's rise is strictly tied with post-truth (thanks trump) and russian misinformation campaigns
you can run circles around every election and analyze to oblivion how the left fucked it, how people are tired of the woke bullshit and it's all true, but the public response is simply idiotic. some of these people shouldn't be in politics as their policies offer zero benefits for the public, just serve russian and selfish interests
love russia? it's fine, it's a beautiful country with a rich cultural history, anyone should just feel free to move the fuck there. they need loyal cannon fodders anyway
anyway, winning an election by solely campaigning on tiktok, you can't make this shit up lol. i hope romania wakes up for the 2nd round