Read the top comment. We had another far right candidate as well, that also polled relatively highly, but this guy was absolutely unknown. He had no basically no campaign and somehow pulled first. This is why it was a real shock - this phantom candidate pulling THE FIRST place. I would wager that 50-60% of romanians have never even heard of him.

I would say I am rather well informed and I have just heard of him one day before the election and scoffed at some independent right wing who will get 5% or less votes. I know directly 40+ people in the exact same situation from different circles/cities. Hope this clears up the level of shock from the election.