En Roumanie, le candidat ultranationaliste défend un écologisme radical

In a country where farmers make up 23% of the workforce and 18% of the population—the highest proportion among EU member states—agriculture and food policies led by Georgescu are of utmost importance. His 17-page program, titled “Food, Water, Energy: A Return to the Roots of the Romanian Nation,” outlines a series of ambitious, albeit idealistic, proposals aimed at revitalizing rural areas.

“He holds views similar to those of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.,” says Cristian Pîrvulescu, a professor of political studies at Bucharest’s leading university. This comparison references the former U.S. presidential candidate who joined Donald Trump’s victorious campaign and was subsequently rewarded with a role as Secretary of Health.

Much like RFK Jr., Georgescu advocates for a “radical environmentalism” approach that transcends traditional left-right divisions, drawing on anti-globalist themes shared by extremists on both ends of the political spectrum. He criticizes intensive farming practices, labeling their agrochemical products as “toxic” and their production methods as “polluting and inefficient.” In contrast, he pledges to champion small-scale farming, traditional agriculture, and organic practices.

“Synthetic pesticides and insecticides will be replaced with ecological alternatives, and long-lasting chemical agents will be substituted with naturally derived active substances,” reads his program. Georgescu argues this shift will help preserve “clean forests and rivers, save bees, and ensure high-quality, uncontaminated food supplies.”

The scholar further stresses the need to prioritize soil protection, calling it “Romania's first strategic resource.” However, such an overhaul requires significant funding. Georgescu proposes that the state should defend its farmers by “capitalizing small producers, supporting local markets, and establishing a network of popular banks and cooperatives” to finance Romania’s transition to agroecology.

Make Agriculture Great Again

Georgescu also advocates for a rethinking of the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), a collective system of agricultural subsidies. He argues it should focus on supporting small-scale farmers, who account for over 90% of Romanian agriculture. Moreover, he envisions Romania’s extensive, small-scale production model becoming a blueprint for sustainable farming not only across the Balkans but for Europe as a whole.