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4d ago

Romanian Far-Right Leader George Simion Advances to Presidential Runoff Amid Political Upheaval

Simion's first-round win triggers coalition collapse, while centrist rival Nicușor Dan struggles to consolidate support ahead of the May 18 election.

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
Presidential candidate George Simion, the leader of the Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR) speaks during an interview in Bucharest, Romania, Tuesday, May 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)
Mayor of Bucharest and presidential candidate Nicusor Dan pastes a campaign poster of himself on a specially designated board at the begining of the presidential election campaign in Bucharest on April 4, 2025. Romania's presidential election campaign officially begins Friday, with 11 candidates competing for the country's top office. The first round of voting scheduled for May 4. This year's election follows a controversial annulment of the 2024 presidential vote by the Constitutional Court. (Photo by Daniel MIHAILESCU / AFP) (Photo by DANIEL MIHAILESCU/AFP via Getty Images)
Presidential candidate George Simion, the leader of the Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR) speaks during an interview in Bucharest, Romania, Tuesday, May 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

Overview

  • George Simion, leader of the far-right AUR party, secured 40.96% of votes in the first round, advancing to a May 18 runoff against centrist Nicușor Dan.
  • Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu resigned after the pro-Western coalition government collapsed following its candidate's failure to reach the runoff.
  • Key establishment figures, including Social Democrat leaders, declined to endorse Dan, leaving his campaign struggling to unite centrist and left-wing voters.
  • Simion positions himself as a MAGA-aligned nationalist, opposing EU leadership and Ukraine aid while advocating closer ties with Trump-era U.S. policies.
  • Diaspora voters overwhelmingly backed Simion, with 61% support, highlighting his appeal among expatriates and complicating Dan's path to victory.