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Romania Braces for Tight Presidential Runoff Between Nationalist and Centrist

Far-right frontrunner George Simion faces centrist Nicușor Dan in a pivotal May 18 election that could reshape Romania's EU and NATO alignment.

Image
George Simion (left) and Nicusor Dan (right) sit in the same bench while attending a meeting of the National Union Bloc in Bucharest, Romania, May 7 2025. Inquam Photos/Malina Norocea via REUTERS
Supporters watch Leader of the radical right Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) George Simion speak on a screen following the exit poll results during the Romanian presidential election, outside the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) headquarters in Bucharest, Romania, May 4, 2025. REUTERS/Louisa Gouliamaki/File Photo

Overview

  • The runoff follows the annulment of the 2024 election due to alleged Russian interference, with Simion and Dan emerging as the top contenders in the re-run's first round on May 4.
  • George Simion, a Trump-inspired nationalist, won 40.9% in the first round, gaining over 60% of the diaspora vote, while Dan, Bucharest's centrist mayor, secured about 20%.
  • Simion's platform opposes military aid to Ukraine and signals potential alliances with Hungary's Viktor Orban and Slovakia's Robert Fico, raising concerns about Romania's EU and NATO alignment.
  • Recent polls show a tightening race, with Simion's initial lead narrowing as undecided voters weigh their options ahead of the May 18 runoff.
  • The election is seen as a referendum on Romania's political direction, with significant implications for national security, foreign policy, and institutional trust.