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Romania's Presidential Runoff Tightens as Final Polls Show Dead Heat

The race between nationalist George Simion and pro-EU Nicușor Dan is shaping up as a pivotal decision for Romania's future in the EU and NATO.

A torn out poster featuring presidential candidate George Simion is seen next to one of Nicusor Dan, with the writing "Its Dan", ahead of the second round of the presidential elections, in Bucharest, Romania, May 16, 2025. REUTERS/Louisa Gouliamaki
FILE - Demonstrators hold large Romanian and European Union flags during a pro-EU rally ahead of the second round of the presidential election redo in Bucharest, Romania, Friday, May 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru, File)
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FILE - Presidential candidates Nicusor Dan, left, and George Simion take a break during a live electoral debate ahead of the second round of the country's presidential election redo in Bucharest, Romania, Thursday night, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda, File)

Overview

  • Polls released on May 16 suggest a neck-and-neck race between George Simion and Nicușor Dan ahead of the May 18 runoff, with diaspora turnout expected to play a decisive role.
  • Simion, a far-right nationalist aligned with MAGA-style populism, opposes military aid to Ukraine and has criticized EU leadership, while Dan campaigns on a pro-Western platform and anti-corruption reforms.
  • Simion has accused foreign governments, including France and Moldova, of interfering in the election, raising concerns he may challenge the legitimacy of the results if he loses.
  • The annulment of the November 2024 election over alleged Russian interference has heightened scrutiny on Romania's electoral process and deepened societal divisions.
  • The outcome of the election will determine Romania's geopolitical alignment and influence its role in EU unanimity votes, NATO strategy, and regional stability.