Romanian Court Validates Election; Dan and Simion Face Runoff After Euronews Debate on Ukraine, PM Picks, and Trump Visa Move

Romania's presidential election race has intensified as the Constitutional Court validated the results of the first round held on May 4, confirming Bucharest Mayor Nicușor Dan and AUR party leader George Simion as the finalists. The court unanimously rejected a request to annul the election results. Euronews Romania hosted the first televised debate between Dan and Simion, where the candidates sharply differed on issues including support for Ukraine amid the ongoing war. Both condemned Russia's invasion, with Simion emphasizing that Russia "feeds on chaos" and calling for war crime charges, while also stressing the need for Ukraine to respect Romanian minorities. Dan revealed he would propose Ilie Bolojan as prime minister if elected president, while Simion expressed a preference for "a Romanian who loves peace". The debate also highlighted contrasting political styles and strategies, with Simion showing increasing confidence and making controversial remarks, including publicly thanking the Trump administration for removing Romania from the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, a move criticized by political analysts and opponents. Former Romanian President Traian Băsescu publicly endorsed Nicușor Dan, asserting that Simion and his nationalist supporters would not succeed in turning Romania towards the East. The runoff election is scheduled for May 18, with both candidates vying to lead Romania through a period of geopolitical challenges and domestic political divisions.