Moldova Backs Nicusor Dan in Romanian Presidency Over Fear of George Simion
Moldova's pro-EU governing party supports Nicusor Dan in the runoff election for the Romanian presidency
In a move that could significantly impact Moldova-Romania relations, the Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) of pro-EU President Maia Sandu has decided to support Nicusor Dan in the second round of the Romanian presidential elections. This switch comes after PAS initially endorsed Liberal (PNL) candidate Crin Antonescu, based on PAS' membership in the European Popular Party (EPP).
This decision, revealed by Deschide, is largely motivated by concerns surrounding the isolationist candidate, George Simion. The looming possibility of his election is of great importance for Moldova as it may severely damage the traditionally close ties between the two countries.
With Moldova set to hold parliamentary elections this September, a change in Romania's stance may weaken the likelihood of a pro-EU majority following the vote. Simion has consistently advocated for withdrawing Romania's support for the pro-EU government in Chisinau, and he argues in favor of Moldova merging with Romania as a matter of history, rather than an independent entity.
Simion is currently barred from entering both Moldova and Ukraine. His initial ban in 2015 was due to his unionist stance and street protests, while more recently, authorities in Ukraine have accused him of ties with Russian intelligence services. An appeal on his persona non grata status in Moldova will be heard in Chisinau on May 19 - the day after the second round of the presidential elections in Romania.
"We need an honest, competent, and courageous president like Nicusor to lead Romania," a PAS representative stated. "The risk of major instability in Romania is imminent. Only through a massive, unprecedented vote for the pro-Western candidate can we avoid a crisis in our neighboring country."
Moldovan residents with Romanian citizenship played a role in Nicusor Dan's advancement into the second round of the presidential elections, according to data from the first ballot on May 4. Approximately 91,000 Moldovans with Romanian passports cast their votes at the 64 polling stations within the Republic of Moldova. Of this, 47.6 thousand voted for Nicusor Dan, equating to 52.6% of the votes.
(Photo: Nicusor Dan Facebook Page)
While George Simion's political stance towards Moldova may seem extreme to some, it is crucial to understand the potential implications for Moldova should he become Romania's president. Simion, the founder and chairman of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), views the unification of Moldova and Romania as a "historical imperative." However, he acknowledges that such unification would necessitate international settlements and referendums to ensure the support of both countries' populations.
Should Simion rise to power, Moldova could face challenges to its territorial integrity and sovereignty, strained regional relations, complications in its path to European integration, and difficulties navigating its own foreign relationships. These potential repercussions underline the importance of supporting a pro-Western candidate like Nicusor Dan for Moldova and the broader European Union.
- The pro-EU Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) in Moldova has decided to support Nicusor Dan in the Romanian presidential elections' second round, given the likelihood of George Simion's election, a candidate advocating for Moldova merging with Romania.
- Simion's unionist stance and entry ban in Moldova and Ukraine, attributed to protests and ties with Russian intelligence services, highlight potential conflicts should he become Romania's president.
- Nicusor Dan's advancement into the second round of the Romanian presidential elections was partly due to votes from Moldovan residents with Romanian citizenship, with over half of the votes cast for Dan in Moldova.
- As the potential implications for Moldova could include challenges to territorial integrity, strained relations, complications in European integration, and difficulties in foreign relationships, supporting a pro-Western candidate like Nicusor Dan is crucial for Moldova and the European Union.
