From self-help to sovereignty: the rise of Călin Georgescu and Romania’s far-right mysticism

This article examines Călin Georgescu’s rise as an independent far-right candidate in Romania’s presidential elections, situating his appeal within global trends of far-right populism. Georgescu’s campaign, largely independent of institutional and media backing, mobilized support through a blend of neoliberal ideologies and spiritualized rhetoric. His success is analysed through Michel Foucault’s concept of governmentality, Theodor Adorno’s critique of mysticism, and Dana Cloud’s rhetoric of therapy. The paper argues that personal responsibility narratives, coupled with nationalist and ecological themes, obscure systemic inequalities while fostering charismatic authority. Georgescu’s symbolic language, rooted in Orthodox spirituality and ecological nationalism, constructs Romania’s challenges as moral and spiritual dilemmas rather than structural issues. His rise reflects broader populist trends where leaders use self-help rhetoric to mobilize disillusioned populations. Comparing Georgescu’s approach to figures like Donald Trump and Narendra Modi, this article explores how neoliberal narratives of personal responsibility intertwine with nationalist revivalism to reinforce authoritarian tendencies. The discussion highlights how economic grievances, particularly among marginalized and diaspora communities, are channelled into cultural and spiritual narratives, ultimately shaping electoral dynamics.