Overview

• George Simion, a hard-right nationalist and Eurosceptic, won 40.5% of the vote in the May 4 presidential election rerun, leading all candidates.
• Pro-EU Bucharest mayor Nicusor Dan narrowly secured second place with 20.9%, edging out governing coalition candidate Crin Antonescu, who received 20.3%.
• The election rerun was ordered after the November 2024 vote was annulled due to Russian interference allegations and campaign irregularities favoring far-right candidate Calin Georgescu.
• Simion's campaign capitalized on anti-establishment sentiment driven by economic struggles, skepticism toward EU influence, and discontent with the political elite.
• The May 18 runoff will determine whether Romania shifts toward nationalist populism or maintains its pro-Western alignment as a key NATO and EU member.