Right-wing candidate George Simion surges ahead in Romania's presidential election, trailed closely by the candidate of the ruling coalition
In the whirlwind of Romanian politics, April 2025 is shaping up as a pivotal time, with the country gearing up for its second presidential election round on May 18. The stage is set after the annulment of the initial election due to foreign interference concerns. The frontrunner, George Simion, from the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), maintains a slim lead with 27% of the votes[4].
Hot on his heels is Crin Antonescu, part of the ruling coalition draw (Social Democrats-Liberals-Hungarians), nipping at Simion's heels with a close 26%[4]. Independent candidate Nicusor Dan, who serves as the Bucharest mayor, is seen as a potential contender for the second round, with 20%[4].
Quasi-independent reformist leader, Elena Lasconi, who heads the Save Romania Union (USR) party albeit without her party's backing, finds herself lagging with 9%[4]. Another independent candidate, Victor Ponta, a former prime minister with his own unique perspective, polls at 8%[4].
The latest survey conducted by B1TV reveals the resolute determination of Romanians, with 82% adamant about casting a vote in the upcoming elections[1]. Only 9% confirm their absence from the polling station, while another 9% remain undecided[1]. And, as always, the ride isn't without its twists and turns—the AUR continues to reign supreme, garnering the support of 25.5% of voters in a supposed vote held today[1]. The Social Democrats (PSD), under Marcel Ciolacu, slip to second place, with 19.5%[1].
The Liberal (PNL) candidates receive 15% of the votes, while the USR garners 11%. No other parliamentary parties, including the People’s Movement Party (POT) and the Romanian Humanist Party (SOS), would make the electoral threshold[1]. A noteworthy 8.5% of Romanians express an inclination towards another political entity, while another 7.5% remain undecided[1].
The poll also delves into the response of Romania's citizens towards recent political developments impacting specific candidates. 92% are aware of Victor Ponta's controversial decision to flood Romanian villages in order to save Belgrade during his term as prime minister in 2014[2], and a staggering 82% view this decision negatively[2].
89% of the respondents are privy to the internal strife within the USR party, leading to Elena Lasconi no longer enjoying their backing in the election[3]. Of these, 60% disagree with their decision to withdraw support for Lasconi, while 32% believe this was an astute move for the party, opting to campaign for independent candidate Nicusor Dan instead[3].
So, brace yourselves, Romania, for a thrilling electoral race! With the candidates vying for your vote, the race is on to become the next leader of this fascinating nation[1].
iulian@our website
(Photo source: Inquam Photos/George Calin)
[1] B1TV. (2025). Flashdata electoral poll reveals frontrunners heading into tight race for Romanian presidency. Retrieved from https://www.b1.ro/stiri/...
[2] Agerpres. (2025). Citizens question Victor Ponta's controversial Belgrade flood decision. Retrieved from https://agerpres.ro/c...
[3] HotNews.ro. (2025). Romanians express mixed reactions towards USR's Elena Lasconi withdrawal decision. Retrieved from https://hotnews.ro/...
[4] Romanian Politics. (2025). Latest opinion polls predict tight race as Romanian election approaches. Retrieved from https://romanianpolitics.ro/...
[5] Reuters. (2024). Romania's presidential election annulled due to foreign interference concerns. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/...
- Crin Antonescu, a member of the ruling coalition, is tightly competing with frontrunner George Simion from the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), with Antonescu polling at 26%.
- The latest polling data confirms a war-and-conflicts-related decision made by former prime minister Victor Ponta in 2014, concerning flooding of Romanian villages, has received widespread negativity among 82% of the respondents.
- During the second presidential election round on May 18, 2025, politics in Romania will be full of twists and turns as candidates navigate the complex terrain of general news and public opinion.
- The Save Romania Union (USR) party, led by quasi-independent reformist leader Elena Lasconi, has faced significant challenges, with 89% of respondents aware of her losing party backing and 60% expressing disagreement with this decision.
