Romania’s presidential election run-off on Sunday will likely see George Simion, a hard-right nationalist, emerge victorious, according to polls and analysts. Simion secured 41% of the vote in the first round, more than double his rival Nicusor Dan’s 20%. The election was held five months after the original election was annulled due to allegations that Moscow had interfered with Calin Georgescu’s campaign.
Simion has been courting international support from hardline populists and far-right leaders, including Hungary’s Viktor Orban. His strategy also includes mobilizing Romania’s diaspora, which voted overwhelmingly for him in the first round. However, analysts argue that Simion’s anti-EU stance may harm his campaign among Romanian expats.
The outcome of the election could have significant implications for Romania and the European Union. Simion has pledged to join a growing axis of hardline populists on Ukraine’s border, which could lead to slower EU decisions on aid for Kyiv and sanctions against Moscow. Investors are also jittery about a potential Simion victory, with analysts warning of a dramatic financial quake.
The election comes at a time when Romania is facing internal divisions over its pro-Western trajectory. Simion has vowed to restore “competency” to government if elected, but his campaign’s promises have been met with skepticism. The EU and Western powers are watching the election closely, as a victory for Simion could undermine Romania’s commitment to democratic values.
The US Vice President JD Vance has already voiced concerns about Romania’s democratic credentials, singling it out as a “threat from within” at a recent speech. However, many observers believe that Simion’s campaign is more of a reaction to the EU’s policies than an attack on democratic institutions. Regardless, the outcome of this election will be closely watched by international observers and stakeholders alike.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/05/16/europe/romania-presidential-election-simion-dan-intl-cmd