Skip to content

Right-wing contender surges ahead in Romania's presidential election contest

Far-right candidate George Simion surged ahead in Romania's presidential election rerun, according to near-final results from Sunday's vote. The initial round of this annulled ballot from last year indicated his lead.

Romania's Controversial Presidential Election: Simion Surges Ahead

Right-wing contender surges ahead in Romania's presidential election contest

After a heated election that has left the political landscape of Romania in a state of disarray, the far-right leader George Simion appears to be on track for a victory. With 99% of ballots counted, Simion commands a substantial lead, earning around 40-41% of the vote.

The runoff election, scheduled for May 18, will pit the nationalist Simion against the centrist independent candidate and pro-EU Bucharest Mayor Nicușor Dan[1][2][3]. Dan's impressive surge to second place came at the expense of the ruling coalition candidate Crin Antonescu, who trailed behind with 20.3% of the vote.

As euphoric supporters chanted "Out with the thieves, let patriots come," Simion addressed them via a video message, proclaiming, "Together we made history today"[1]. Professor Sergiu Miscoiu, a political science expert, has identified the upcoming runoff as an uphill battle for Simion, predicting a close race[1].

Experts have highlighted divisions within the pro-EU camp, attributing them to a competitive and divisive campaign marked by harsh accusations and underhanded tactics[2].

George Simion, a self-proclaimed fan of US President Donald Trump, was formerly a NATO critic. However, he dons a cap emblazoned with Trump's slogan "Make America Great Again" and aspires to become Romania's "MAGA president"[1]. In the wake of the annulled election last year, he was installed to take the place of the controversial candidate Calin Georgescu[1].

Georgescu himself voted alongside Simion in Mogosoaia, expressing his hope to see "change" in Romania and yearning for the return of democracy[1]. Romania's contested vote, claimed to be marred by Russian interference and a massive TikTok campaign, saw the rerun election held under close scrutiny[2].

By the Numbers:

  • George Simion garnered approximately 40-41% of the vote
  • Bucharest Mayor Nicușor Dan placed second with 20.9% of the vote
  • Ruling coalition candidate Crin Antonescu trailed with 20.3% of the vote

Simion has slammed "Brussels' unelected bureaucrats" and promised to restore Romania's "dignity" within the EU[1]. He frequently denounces Russia while opposing military aid to Ukraine and advocating for reduced support for Ukrainian refugees[1].

Nicușor Dan campaigned on a platform of offering stability, while promising to combat corruption and the arrogant political elite[2]. Protests have erupted across Romania in response to the annulment of the previous election, with some denouncing it as a "coup"[2].

Voter turnout stood at around 53% when polls closed[2]. Simion has primarily campaigned online, aiming to appeal to the influential overseas Romanian vote[2]. He is perceived as being less extreme than Georgescu but shares his aversion to the EU[2].

(Sources: 1 - French news agency AFP; 2 - The Business Standard; 3 - Euronews)

Stay Connected:

  • Sign up for our daily newsletter
  • Download our mobile app for the latest international news
  1. The upcoming runoff election in Romania will see George Simion, a far-right leader, competing against Nicușor Dan, an independent centrist candidate.
  2. Despite opposing military aid to Ukraine, Simion criticizes Russia in his speeches.
  3. In the election, Simion received around 40-41% of the vote, while Bucharest Mayor Nicușor Dan earned 20.9%.
  4. The controversial candidate Calin Georgescu, whose election was annulled last year, voted alongside Simion in Mogosoaia.
  5. Russia has been accused of interfering in Romania's elections, though the extent of this interference remains unclear.
  6. Nicușor Dan's campaign focuses on stability, combating corruption, and opposing the arrogant political elite.
  7. unexpected immigration and Car-accidents are topics that might be covered under the general news or crime-and-justice section.
  8. The European Leagues, Premier League, Champions League, and sports-betting are topics that might be found in the sports section.
  9. Fires might be reported under the general news, accidents, or possibly crime-and-justice section, depending on the specific circumstances.
  10. Policy-and-legislation and wars-and-conflicts are topics that could be covered in both international and domestic news.
  11. The voters' turnout was around 53% when the polls closed, hinting at a certain level of public engagement in the election process.
  12. Simion's online campaign strategy suggests that he aims to win the support of the influential overseas Romanian vote.
Right-wing contender George Simion secured a substantial advantage in Romania's presidential election redo held on Sunday, according to almost completed tally data.
Far-right contender George Simion surged ahead in Romania's presidential election rerun, as preliminary results from Sunday's poll indicated. The initial results were announced for the re-run of the elections that were nullified last year.
In the initial round of Romania's presidential rerun elections, held on Sunday, far-right contender George Simion enjoyed a substantial lead, according to near-final results of the annulled vote from last year.

Read also:

Latest