George Simion, with 41% Vote, Leads Romania's Presidential Race Against Nicuşor Dan in May 18 Runoff, Opposes Ukraine Aid Amid Economic Instability

George Simion, the leader of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), has emerged as the frontrunner in Romania's presidential election, securing 41% of the vote in the first round. His campaign, which resonated with nationalist-populist sentiments and criticism of the European Union, has positioned him against Bucharest Mayor Nicuşor Dan in the upcoming runoff on May 18. Simion's victory reflects a significant shift in voter sentiment, particularly among the diaspora and rural communities, who are seeking change from the current political establishment.

Simion's stance on foreign policy, particularly regarding Ukraine, has been a focal point of his campaign. While he supports Romania's NATO commitments, he opposes further military aid to Ukraine, aligning himself more closely with the policies of the Trump administration. This position has drawn attention from nationalist-populist parties across Europe, who see Simion's potential victory as a reinforcement of their own agendas.

The economic implications of Simion's potential presidency are also under scrutiny. Following his first-round win, Romania's financial markets have shown signs of instability, with the Central Bank spending 2 billion euros to stabilize the national currency. Investors have begun to flee the country's bond and equity markets, reflecting concerns over Simion's pro-Russian stance and his plans for significant government spending cuts, including the dismissal of 500,000 public sector employees over 5 years to return to the 800,000 state employees from the early 2000s, currently at 1.3 million.

Simion has proposed radical economic reforms, including a reduction in the number of bureaucrats, tax cuts over 5 years, and aid for farmers, aiming to emulate the economic policies of Trump and Argentine economist José Luis Espert. He has also promised houses at 35,000 euros, which he later admitted was a marketing strategy to gain votes. These proposals have sparked debate, with critics like Nicuşor Dan labeling them as 'nonsense' and warning of potential economic disaster if Romania distances itself from Europe. Simion has challenged Dan to a debate and attended a Romanian-American conference with CPAC chairman Matt Schlapp. If elected, Simion plans to appoint Calin Georgescu as Prime Minister and aims to meet a deficit target of 7%.