Romanians are heading to the polls for a reelection of the presidential election. This time, candidates are opposing military assistance to Ukraine and sharply critiquing EU leadership, while also bolstering the ultranationalists who consider themselves allies of Donald Trump.
George Simion, a prominent candidate, is gaining traction in opinion polls ahead of the first round of voting in EU and NATO nations, nearly six months after the initial election was annulled due to alleged foreign interference.
The elections are under close scrutiny. A win for the far-right could steer Romania, which borders Ukraine, away from Western alliances, potentially becoming a destabilizing force within the Trans-Atlantic Defense Alliance.
Following the cancellation of the previous election, many notable figures, including members of the Trump administration, criticized Bucharest for undermining free speech and neglecting “the people’s voices.” U.S. Vice President JD Vance accused Romanian officials of voiding the election because they disapproved of the expected outcome.
In the first attempt last November, the anti-EU, Moscow-friendly independent, Karin Georgek, garnered around 23% of the votes, a significant jump from under 5%, despite claiming no campaign expenses.
However, the Constitutional Court later invalidated that vote after declassified intelligence reports alleged Russian influence through cyberattacks and social media manipulation favoring Georgek.
In February, while denying accusations of fraud, Georgescu became part of an investigation related to issues like misreporting campaign finances and supporting extremist groups, leading to his disqualification from participating in the re-election.
Simion aims to leverage public frustration regarding the prior election’s cancellation and Georgescu’s release. “A strong anti-Western sentiment has emerged, and it’s evident that Romania’s trajectory is at unprecedented risk,” notes political analyst Christian Pillbresque.
Social media, particularly TikTok, plays a crucial role in this campaign. Simion mixes nationalist themes with emotionally engaging rhetoric, effectively communicating with his 1.3 million followers on the platform.
“It’s time for a revival,” he declared in a recent video. “Our nation will find its way again… We have the power to renew ourselves, unite, and grow stronger.”
The Romanian union party (AUR) originated as an anti-lockdown movement during the pandemic, aiming to secure Georgescu’s position should he win, though there is currently no parliamentary majority for the far-right.
Simion describes himself as a more “moderate” option compared to Georgek, emphasizing Romanian “sovereignty.” He has called for the return of territory surrendered during WWII, which now forms part of Moldova and Ukraine, although he is banned from both countries.
Unlike Georgek, Simion often criticizes Russia while expressing admiration for Trump’s Republican party. He aspires to create a national alliance “in the spirit of collaboration” within the EU.
Currently polling around 30%, Simion trails his centrist competitors, Bucharest Mayor Nicole Dunn and Crin Antonescu, by about ten points. However, it seems unlikely he will achieve the 50% of votes necessary for an outright win on Sunday, leading to expectations of a second round on May 18 against either Antonescu or Dunn.
The Romanian president possesses considerable influence over foreign policy, national security, defense budgets, and judicial appointments while also representing the nation internationally and having the power to veto key EU votes.
In the event of his election, Simion revealed discussions that led to the previous election’s cancellation, stating, “We have harmed Romanian children and the elderly.”
He finished fourth in the November election and opted out of a recent TV debate, labeling the cancellation as a “coup” and asserting that he honored “the people’s will” by not participating.
Polling stations closed at 9 PM local time on Sunday, with early exit polls expected soon after. If the results are close, final confirmations may take hours due to 5% to 7% of votes coming from overseas.
