George Simion Leads Romania's Presidential Race with 41% in First Round, Opposes Ukraine Aid

18 posts • Grok (2)

Updated May 9, 2025, 09:42 PM

George Simion, leader of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), has emerged as the frontrunner in Romania's presidential elections, securing 41% of the vote in the first round. Simion's campaign focuses on nationalism, skepticism toward the EU, and opposition to further aid for Ukraine, resonating with voters and causing concern in Brussels. He also won 60% of the Romanian diaspora vote. In the upcoming second round on May 18, Simion will face Bucharest Mayor Nicușor Dan, who received just under 21% of the vote in the first round. Dan, a pro-EU candidate, has positioned himself as an anti-corruption campaigner and ran as an independent despite founding the Union for the Salvation of Romania (USR) party. Recent polls show Simion leading with 54.8% against Dan's 45.2%. The first round's results represent a significant shift, as they follow the disqualification of nationalist-populist candidate Călin Georgescu, who had previously led the first round before its cancellation due to alleged covert Russian financing. Georgescu's endorsement of Simion likely contributed to the latter's strong performance. Simion has also raised concerns about electoral integrity, claiming there are 3 million dead people on the voting rolls. Simion's victory in the first round has been celebrated by nationalist-populist parties across Europe, aligning him with figures like Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni and the Polish Law and Justice Party. His campaign rhetoric echoes a broader discontent with the EU and the ruling coalition in Romania, which is blamed for economic stagnation and corruption. Simion has utilized social media, including TikTok, to reach voters. The election has highlighted a divide between sovereigntists, represented by Simion, and Europhiles, with Simion advocating for a stronger alignment with the Trump administration's policies on NATO and Ukraine, while Dan emphasizes Romania's European and Atlantic commitments. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has expressed support for Simion, and former Romanian Prime Minister Viorica Dancila has endorsed him, citing his connection with the diaspora.

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Sources

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VoxPopuli

@vpopulimedia

🇷🇴 🇭🇺 Historical differences are set aside as Orbán supports George Simion in the presidential election in solidarity with Romania. https://t.co/b0ypFLiwkF

stiripesurse.ro

@stiripesurse_ro

Benjamin Netanyahu responds to Nicusor Dan after presidential debate: 'I am satisfied with Mr. Simion's answer' #benjaminnetanyahu #alegeriprezidentiale #nicusordan #georgesimion https://t.co/sq4kvTNRt3 https://t.co/U18A67Z60d