Overview

• The election is widely seen as a referendum on Romania’s future alignment with either the EU/NATO or a pivot toward Russia, with major geopolitical implications.
• George Simion, leading the far-right AUR party, has pledged to appoint barred candidate Călin Georgescu as prime minister if elected, raising concerns over a potential shift in Romania’s democratic and international commitments.
• Pro-European protests have mobilized tens of thousands, with churches, liberal parties, and civil society urging voters to reject Simion’s nationalist agenda.
• Diaspora voters, who overwhelmingly supported Simion in the first round, are expected to play a decisive role in the tight runoff election.
• Recent polls indicate a neck-and-neck race, with Simion slightly ahead, as turnout and undecided voters could determine the outcome of this pivotal election.