George Simion, leader of the far-right Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), secured 40.96% of the vote in the first round of Romania’s presidential election held on May 4, 2025. He will face independent, pro-European candidate Nicușor Dan, who garnered 20.99%, in the runoff scheduled for May 18.
The election was a rerun following the annulment of the 2024 presidential vote due to alleged Russian interference favoring Călin Georgescu, who was subsequently disqualified. Simion, a vocal critic of the EU and NATO, has expressed opposition to military support for Ukraine and has pledged to reintegrate Georgescu into leadership if elected.
Simion’s campaign resonated with voters disillusioned by mainstream politics, winning in 36 out of 47 districts and securing 61% of the diaspora vote. Dan, the mayor of Bucharest, is expected to consolidate centrist support in the upcoming runoff.
The election has drawn significant international attention, with concerns about Romania’s future direction amid political instability and economic challenges.
Image source: The Guardian
