Romania's Far-right Candidate Clear Favourite In Presidential Run-off
3 minute readPublished: Monday, May 12, 2025 at 5:45 am
Romania's Presidential Run-off: Far-Right Candidate Poised for Victory
Romania is bracing for a pivotal presidential run-off this weekend, with far-right candidate George Simion emerging as the clear frontrunner. After securing a strong 40.9% of the vote in the first round on May 4th, Simion, a self-proclaimed admirer of Donald Trump, is projected to win approximately 55% of the vote, according to the latest poll.
His main challenger is Nicusor Dan, the centrist mayor of Bucharest. Dan is hoping to mobilize the significant portion of voters who abstained in the first round, aiming to prevent a shift towards Simion's nationalist, Eurosceptic stance. Simion opposes aid to Ukraine, a key issue in a country that is a NATO member and borders the war-torn nation.
The election is taking place amidst political turmoil. The recent resignation of Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu and the collapse of the pro-European government coalition have heightened the stakes. The new president will have the power to appoint a new prime minister, influencing the formation of a new parliamentary majority.
Simion's potential victory has raised concerns. He has vowed to bring former far-right presidential contender Calin Georgescu into power and could see his nationalist AUR party enter government. This has already impacted the Romanian currency, the leu, which has fallen in recent days, increasing economic uncertainty in the EU's most indebted country.
The election has also highlighted the stark differences between the candidates. Dan, a proponent of continued aid to Ukraine, emphasizes the national security risks posed by Russia's aggression. Simion, on the other hand, advocates for neutrality and has hinted at potentially blocking European decisions on aid. He has also expressed admiration for Hungary's nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
The outcome of this election will have significant implications for Romania's future, potentially impacting its relationship with the EU, its stance on the war in Ukraine, and its economic stability.
BNN's Perspective: The rise of far-right sentiment in Romania is concerning, particularly given the country's strategic importance within the EU and NATO. While the desire for change and an end to corruption is understandable, the potential consequences of a nationalist government, including strained relations with allies and economic instability, are significant. The high voter turnout will be crucial to determine the future of Romania.
Keywords: Romania election, George Simion, Nicusor Dan, far-right, presidential run-off, Ukraine aid, Eurosceptic, Donald Trump, NATO, EU, Romanian currency, political turmoil, nationalist, AUR party, Viktor Orban, Bucharest mayor, election results, political analysis, Romanian politics.