Extreme-right political figures across Europe express approval as George Simion secures victory in Romania's presidential election.
Rewritten Article:
In a historic shift for Romania, George Simion, the charismatic founder of Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), dominated the initial round of the presidential elections held on May 4, 2025. The 38-year-old political firebrand secured a whopping 41% of the votes, leaving his opponents in the dust.
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The Far-Right Cheers for Simion
Consequently, the ultranationalist tide swept far-right European leaders, Marine Le Pen of France's National Rally and Matteo Salvini of Italy's League, into a congratulatory frenzy. They hailed Simion's victory as a meaningful defeat for European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen – a figure often criticized by the far-right as authoritarian.
Marine Le Pen, the former frontrunner for the presidential election in France scheduled for 2027, quipped, "Romania just gifted Madame von der Leyen a lovely boomerang." Le Pen earlier faced conviction for misappropriating EU funds and is now disqualified from holding public office, according to HotNews (link).
Similarly, Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini expressed his admiration, stating, "In Romania, the people have finally exercised their democratic rights freely – a direct message to the ‘masters’ in Brussels and their dirty tricks! Well done, George Simion!"
Who's Simion?
Born in Focșani, Romania, on September 21, 1986, Simion studied at the University of Bucharest and Alexandru Ioan Cuza University (Iași). Gaining notoriety as the founder and chairman of AUR, Simion's party surged to become the second-largest party in both chambers of Romania's parliament since 2024 (details).
Criticized by some analysts for lacking governance experience, Simion's rise mirrors broader discontent with the status quo. His social conservatism, nationalist rhetoric, and opposition to foreign exploitation have earned him admiration among many Romanians.
The Road Ahead: Runoff Showdown
Simion now moves on to the runoff, where he'll face off against pro-European independent Bucharest Mayor Nicușor Dan, who secured 21% of the votes. The candidate of the ruling alliance, Crin Antonescu, came in third with 20%, while former president Victor Ponta claimed 13%.
As the race remains tight, anticipation continues to mount. Don't miss the thrilling voting spectacle, as George Simion's second-round showdown is set for May 18!
Stay locked with Romania Insider to keep up with the latest on Romania's 2025 presidential election!
(Photographs courtesy of Marine Le Pen and Matteo Salvini on Facebook)
George Simion: A Brief Overview
A Romanian politician and civic activist, George Simion was born on September 21, 1986, in Focșani, Romania. He is the founder and chairman of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), the second-largest party in both chambers of Romania’s parliament since 2024. Simion campaigns on the platform of Romanian nationalism, anti-establishment rhetoric, and broad support for traditional values.
Political Views and Ideology
Nationalism and Populism:
Simion is widely described as a nationalist, hard-right, or far-right candidate. His political platform is anchored in Romanian nationalism, anti-establishment rhetoric, and a strong appeal to voters dissatisfied with mainstream politics and corruption. Simion has capitalized on widespread frustration with the political class, often criticizing the government for failing to address the needs of ordinary Romanians.
Foreign Policy Stances:
Simion supports bolstering ties with neighboring Moldova, an issue with historical and cultural resonance for many Romanians. While analysts debate the potential impact of a Simion presidency on Romania's foreign policy, some suggest it could shift the nation's stance toward Russia, akin to Hungary's Viktor Orbán. Others argue that while Simion's rhetoric may focus on nationalist issues, his pragmatic approach to NATO and EU commitments would allow him to balance foreign policy ambitions with continued Western alignment.
Domestic Focus:
Simion’s campaigns emphasize opposition to perceived foreign exploitation, support for traditional values, and a push for greater national sovereignty. Critics argue that his party lacks experience and expertise in governance, particularly in handling major crises, and that his rise reflects broader discontent rather than a comprehensive policy platform.
| Attribute | Details ||--------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|| Born | September 21, 1986, Focșani, Romania || Education | University of Bucharest, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University (Iasi) || Political Party | Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) || Key Positions | Founder/Chairman of AUR, Chamber of Deputies (Bucharest) || Political Views | Nationalist, anti-establishment, pro-traditional values, pro-reunification with Moldova, admirer of Trump and Meloni || International Alignment | Praised by European far-right leaders, possible foreign policy shift toward Moscow, but pragmatic on NATO/EU issues || Current Status | Leading candidate in 2025 Romanian presidential runoff |
- Marine Le Pen, the former frontrunner for the 2027 presidential election in France, likened Ursula von der Leyen's potential reaction to George Simion's victory in Romania's election to a boomerang.
- The ultranationalist tide that swept George Simion to victory in Romania's presidential election was applauded by Matteo Salvini, the deputy prime minister of Italy, who saw Romania's 'free exercise of democratic rights' as a direct message to those in Brussels.
- George Simion, the ultranationalist presidential contender from Romania, is often criticized by analysts for lacking governance experience, but his social conservatism, nationalist rhetoric, and opposition to foreign exploitation resonated with many Romanian voters.
