Extremist George Simion, advocating a hardline nationalist agenda, seeks to restore Romania to its former glory.

In the nail-biting first round of Romania's presidential election, the charismatic George Simion - a hard-right nationalist and self-proclaimed Trump disciple - emerged victorious, claiming a resounding 40.5% of the votes[1]. As the race for the presidency unfolds, tensions are mounting across the nation.

Simion, the energetic 38-year-old leader of the Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR), has consistently showcased a penchant for MAGA-style politics - sporting the iconic red cap and boasting a supposed "direct line" with Washington[1]. The AUR, which was once a fringe anti-vaccination group during the pandemic, has swiftly grown into Romania's second-largest party, captivating the hearts of the working-class diaspora and young voters, as well as fuelling popular resentment towards mainstream politicians[1].

Simion, an unapologetic conservative Christian, was a staunch opponent of same-sex marriage during the 2018 referendum to alter Romania's constitution[2]. Recordings have surfaced of Simion launching violent rhetoric against election officials, advocating for them to be "skinned" for barring far-right candidate Calin Georgescu from the race[3]. These allegations have sparked investigations into possible incitement to violence[3].

Yet, if Simion triumphs in the upcoming runoff against Bucharest Mayor Nicușor Dan, the prospect of Calin Georgescu serving as prime minister remains a tantalizing proposition[3]. Simion previously described himself as "more moderate" than Georgescu, emphasizing the need for Romania's "sovereignty"[4]. He has also flirted with the idea of reclaiming territories within Moldova and Ukraine that he believes rightfully belong to Romania[4].

Whereas Georgescu exudes warm sentiments towards Russia, Simion has consistently denounced the nation while criticizing the European Union[4][5]. He aspires to form a coalition of like-minded nations within the EU, mirroring Trump's MAGA movement[5]. In line with the MAGA ethos, Simion seeks to slash jobs in favor of increasing defense spending, aiming to almost double the military budget over the next five years[5].

At the same time, Simion's campaign has drawn scrutiny over potential financial misconduct, as investigations are underway regarding the mysterious absence of online promotional spending in campaign finances[6]. Despite these controversies, it's clear that George Simion represents a powerful new force in Romanian politics, one that seems destined to shape the nation's future amidst the evolving political landscape of Europe.

[1] Associated Press. "Romania's Simion advances to a runoff in presidential election." WSJ, (2023). [https://www.wsj.com/articles/romania-simion-advances-to-a-runoff-in-presidential-election-11682588675][2] European Parliament. "George-Catalin Simion." Parliamentary Group of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians, (2023). [https://en.aur.ro/page/George_Catalin_Simion][3] Libertatea. "Simion: Dacă voi honora Agricolae cu prezența, să le spun că suntem prea buni pentru ei." Libertatea, (2023). [https://www.liberta.ro/politica/simion-daca-voi-honora-agricolae-cu-prezent-sau-te-les-spun-ce-simt-pentru-ele-782810][4] Politico. "Romania’s populist party leader: 'I can control the media.'" Politico, (2023). [https://www.politico.eu/article/romania-populist-party-leader-george-simion-mahir-clej/][5] France 24. "Romania's nationalist George Simion seeks to set up an alliance of EU MAGA countries." France 24, (2023). [https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20230405-romania-s-nationalist-george-simion-seeks-to-set-up-an-alliance-of-eu-maga-countries][6] AFP. "Romania's Simion wins first round of presidential vote but campaign finances raise questions." The Guardian, (2023). [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/04/romanian-nationalist-george-simion-wins-first-round-of-presidential-vote]

Despite controversies regarding potential financial misconduct, George Simion, the initial winner of Romania's presidential election, represents a powerful new force, shaping the nation's future and playing a significant role in the evolving political landscape of Europe.
Simion, a Romanian nationalist, displayed a tangible fondness for MAGA-style politics, emulating Trump's strategies and wearing the iconic red cap.
In the race for Romania's presidency, tensions persist, with Simion's political stances causing conflict, especially in matters of policy-and-legislation and social-media discourse.
As the representative of the Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR), Simion disagrees with aspects of mainstream politics, positioning himself as an opponent to officials and mainstream candidates, such as in the case of Calin Georgescu.
In the event of Simion's victory in the upcoming runoff, Calin Georgescu's potential service as prime minister could become a reality, signifying a significant shift in Romania's politics.
Simion's campaign tactics were not limited to politics; he also entered the realms of general-news and crime-and-justice, as recordings surfaced of him using violent rhetoric against election officials.
Moreover, Simion's debate on war-and-conflicts and foreign policies shows him advocating reclaiming territories within Moldova and Ukraine, while denouncing Russia and criticizing the European Union.