Romania's presidential election: right-wing contender advances to next round
🔥 Romania's Presidential Race Heats Up: Far-Right Candidate George Simion Tops First Round
In an unexpected turn of events during Romania's presidential election re-run on May 4, 2025, the far-right candidate, George Simion, stole the show with a strong showing, securing approximately 40% of the votes. The Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) leader outperformed his rivals, the centrist Bucharest mayor Nicușor Dan and the pro-European ruling coalition representative, Crin Antonescu, who received 20.9% and 20.3% of the votes respectively.
"We've penned a chapter in history today," a triumphant Simion announced in a video message, as supporters erupted in chants of "Out with the crooks, long live the patriots!". Despite his lead, political scientist Sergiu Miscoiu for AFP predicts a nail-biting runoff against Dan on May 18.
Aversion for "Brussels lobbyists"
The election comes five months after the annulment of the November 24 vote, when underdog candidate Calin Georgescu, who shares Simion's nationalist rhetoric, topped the polls, causing political turmoil in the EU member country that has been a key NATO ally since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
During the campaign, Simion leveraged his youth, his nationalist rhetoric, and his prowess on TikTok. The deputy emphatically denies any inclination towards Russia but shares the same aversion for "Brussels lobbyists" and is reluctant to offer military support to Kiev. On the markets and abroad, Simion seeks the support of the significant diaspora, dreaming of becoming the "MAGA president" of Romania, a slogan reminiscent of Donald Trump's campaign.
Key Takeaways:- Rising Tide of Nationalism: Simion's AUR has gained momentum leveraging anti-establishment sentiment, positioning itself as a "patriotic" alternative to the ruling coalition.- EU Skepticism: While not anti-EU, Simion promotes nationalist policies clashing with Brussels on issues like migration and sovereignty, mirroring Giorgia Meloni’s approach in Italy.- Support for NATO: In contrast to some hard-right leaders in Western Europe, Simion maintains Romania's strategic commitment to NATO, reflecting the country's role in countering Russia.- Murky Russia Ties: Simion's Russia stance remains ambiguous, but he has been banned from Ukraine due to past pro-Russian statements and support for Transnistria and territorial disputes.
The May 18 runoff will determine whether Simion's nationalist platform can overcome Dan's pro-Western reform agenda. A Simion victory would embolden far-right movements across Europe and challenge Romania's traditionally pro-EU consensus. So, stay tuned for the thrilling conclusion of this dramatic political race! 💪🏼🔥🇷🇴
- "George Simion's success in the first round of Romania's presidential election re-run on May 4, 2025, indicates a growing political influence of far-right candidates, as Simion, the leader of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), secured approximately 40% of the votes."
- "In Bucharest, Nicușor Dan, the centrist mayor, and the pro-European ruling coalition representative, Crin Antonescu, trailed behind Simion, with 20.9% and 20.3% of the votes respectively."
- "Political scientist Sergiu Miscoiu for AFP predicts a close runoff between Simion and Dan on May 18, as the election's outcome will determine Romania's stance on politics and its relationship with Brussels and NATO."
- "Simion's campaign, which includes his youthful appeal, nationalist rhetoric, and use of social media platforms like TikTok, has addressed issues such as EU skepticism and aversion for 'Brussels lobbyists', while maintaining Romania's strategic commitment to NATO."
