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Far-Right Candidate George Simion Poised to Win Romanian Presidential Runoff

Simion, a nationalist and Trump ally, leads polls ahead of May 18 election, which will shape Romania's EU and NATO policies.

Far-right leader George Simion (L) faces centrist mayor Nicusor Dan in Sunday's election
Presidential hopeful George Simion heads Romania's nationalist AUR party
Dan (C) has succeeded in pulling the capital, Bucharest, out of bankruptcy
Pro-EU Bucharest mayor Nicusor Dan promises to bring 'change' and 'honesty' to Romania if elected

Overview

  • George Simion, leader of the far-right AUR party, secured 40.5% of the vote in the May 4 first round, outpacing centrist Nicusor Dan's 20.89%.
  • Polls project Simion to win the May 18 runoff with approximately 55% of the vote, consolidating his position as the frontrunner.
  • The runoff follows the annulment of the November 2024 election due to Russian interference, which led to political upheaval and public protests.
  • Simion opposes aid to Ukraine and has pledged to adopt nationalist policies, including appointing former far-right candidate Calin Georgescu as prime minister.
  • Nicusor Dan, a pro-EU centrist, aims to rally undecided voters and prevent a nationalist shift that could strain Romania's EU and NATO commitments.