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last mo.

Ultranationalist George Simion Wins First Round of Romanian Presidential Election Re-Run

The AUR leader secures 30–33% of votes, advancing to the May 18 runoff as Romania faces deep political divides and questions over its Euro-Atlantic future.

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Overview

  • George Simion, leader of the ultranationalist AUR party, emerged as the frontrunner in the first round of Romania's repeated presidential election, with 30–33% of the vote according to exit polls.
  • The second-place spot remains contested between Crin Antonescu, a centrist candidate, and Nicusor Dan, an independent and mayor of Bucharest, both polling between 21–23%.
  • The runoff election on May 18 will determine Romania's next president, a role with significant influence over foreign policy, NATO alignment, and support for Ukraine.
  • The election re-run follows the annulment of the November 2024 vote by the Constitutional Court, citing Russian interference that included fake social media accounts and influencer campaigns backing disqualified candidate Calin Georgescu.
  • Simion, a critic of the EU, NATO, and aid to Ukraine, has capitalized on nationalist and protest sentiment, raising concerns among Western allies over Romania's geopolitical trajectory.