Far-right candidate George Simion has emerged as the frontrunner in Romania’s presidential election, capturing 40.6% of the vote in the first round, with 99.6% of ballots counted, according to the country’s electoral commission. This result marks a dramatic shift in Romanian politics and sets the stage for a high-stakes runoff on May 18.
Simion, a 38-year-old nationalist firebrand and the leader of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), now faces Bucharest Mayor Nicușor Dan, a centrist candidate who secured 20.91% of the vote. Dan narrowly edged out establishment candidate Crin Antonescu, backed by Romania’s ruling coalition, who conceded early Monday morning.
Simion’s rise has been swift. A long-time advocate for the unification of Romania with neighboring Moldova, he built a profile around hypernationalist activism. After an unsuccessful bid for the European Parliament as an independent, he founded AUR in 2019. The party, initially seen as fringe, shocked the political establishment by securing the second-largest bloc in parliament in the 2020 elections.
His party mirrors the populist playbook of Donald Trump’s MAGA movement, embracing social conservatism, opposition to military aid for Ukraine, and Euroscepticism. Simion himself is often seen wearing a red “Make America Great Again” cap and has described AUR’s political style as “Trumpian.”
AUR gained momentum during the pandemic, fueling public anger with anti-vaccine rhetoric and conspiracy theories. It also capitalized on widespread dissatisfaction with the political elite, portraying itself as a defender of “real Romanians” and traditional values.
In 2024, Simion was banned from Ukraine for three years over “systematic anti-Ukrainian actions.” Moldova has also barred his entry, citing national security concerns. Simion rejects accusations of being pro-Russian or anti-Ukrainian, insisting he is “pro-Romanian.”
Despite these controversies, he has gained a devoted following, particularly online and among the Romanian diaspora. His defiant stance against the EU bureaucracy and promise to uphold national sovereignty resonate with voters who feel ignored by Brussels.
Simion has openly admired Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, calling for a “Melonization” of Europe. “Believe me, there will be a Simeonization,” he said in November, predicting the spread of his brand of nationalism across the continent.
He positions himself as a restorer of democracy, casting the current political system as corrupt and detached from the people. “I promise I will always heed the will of the people. I am here to serve Romanians, not the other way around,” he said early Monday.
His campaign has also built on earlier presidential bid of ultranationalist Călin Georgescu, who won the first round of the now-annulled November 2024 election. After authorities voided the results over suspected Russian interference and illegal campaigning, Simion stepped in to court Georgescu’s base — even promising him a role in a future administration.
The runoff is expected to be fiercely contested. Simion’s opponent, Nicușor Dan, represents a starkly different vision for Romania — one rooted in pro-European integration and democratic reform. A mathematician and former activist, Dan entered politics to fight corruption and preserve Bucharest’s urban heritage. He has vowed to focus his campaign on convincing voters to support Romania’s Western orientation.
“It’s our task to convince Romanians that Romania needs the pro-Western direction and our campaign will be focused on that in the next two weeks,” Dan said.
Dan performed well among Romanian voters abroad, winning 25.45% compared to Antonescu’s 6.74%, but his support base is weaker in rural areas where Simion dominates.
Simion’s victory in the first round has alarmed Western capitals. Romania, a key NATO ally bordering Ukraine, is seen as strategically vital. Analysts warn that a Simion presidency could usher in a foreign policy shift that distances Romania from the EU and the U.S.
AUR’s rise mirrors broader trends across Europe, where far-right parties have gained ground by exploiting public frustration with traditional politics, economic hardship, and immigration. If elected, Simion would join a growing bloc of nationalist leaders — including those in Hungary and Slovakia — challenging EU unity.
“We believe in a European Union that thrives as a nest for its diverse and sovereign nations—not as a rigid system enforcing one-size-fits-all policies,” Simion said in a statement.
