My father voted for Romania’s ultra-nationalist. I am beginning to understand why | Andrei Popoviciu

We need to hear out family and friends who feel mainstream parties have let them down. This was a cry for help

Last Sunday, my country was jolted awake by a collective shock. For days, we've been consumed by one name: Clin Georgescu. His unexpected rise to the top in the first round of Romania's presidential elections has polarised the country to an extent unseen since we became a democracy 35 years ago.

Romania's streets, screens and dining tables are abuzz with debates about how a fringe far-right and ultra-nationalist candidate managed to capture the nation's attention - and votes. Protesters, many of them young, have already taken to the streets.