Bucharest, Romania — As voters in Romania prepare to cast their ballots on Sunday, the upcoming presidential election is considered one of the most pivotal in recent decades for the European Union member. George Simion, a hard-right nationalist whose ideals resonate with the “Make America Great Again” style, aims to restore what he perceives as true democracy, following the annulment of the previous election.
The political landscape in Romania experienced significant shifts last year after the nation’s top court annulled a prior election due to electoral misconduct allegations and Russian intervention supporting far-right candidate Calin Georgescu. Georgescu, who was initially leading in polls, is now under investigation and prohibited from running in Sunday’s election. Moscow, however, has denied any interference.
Simion, leader of the nationalist Alliance for the Unity of Romanians, claims that despite the fall of communism in 1989, Romania never truly transitioned into a democratic state. The upcoming election sees eleven candidates vying for the presidency, which includes a five-year term with substantial influence over national security and international relations policy. A runoff is predicted for May 18.
Decades have passed since Romania, once a communist state, began efforts to develop robust democratic institutions. Yet, the voided election last year plunged the EU and NATO member into political unrest unheard of previously. Simion, who finished fourth in last year’s elections, stresses that running again is a duty to uphold democracy, restore constitutional norms, and honor the will of the Romanian populace.
Recent polling suggests that Simion could advance to a runoff, potentially against incumbent Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan or the candidate from the governing coalition, Crin Antonescu. Inspired by a growing nationalist sentiment across Europe, Simion’s AUR party rallies alongside the MAGA movement, thriving following Donald Trump’s unexpected political influence resurgence. The party emerged on the political scene in 2020 with a family, nation, faith, and freedom platform, doubling its support since.
Nicusor Dan, a mathematician and former anti-corruption campaigner, is focused on a pro-EU agenda called “Honest Romania,” emphasizing necessary systemic reforms. Meanwhile, veteran centrist Antonescu campaigns for maintaining Romania’s pro-Western orientation. Former Prime Minister Victor Ponta, echoing a MAGA-style “Romania First” agenda, also runs and claims strong ties with the Trump administration.
Elena Lasconi, who finished second in the last first round of voting, also stands in the elections, positioning herself as a staunchly pro-Western, anti-establishment candidate, criticizing the country’s corrupt political climate. Although her party, the USR, has now shifted its support to Dan, believing in his stronger candidacy, Lasconi remains firm in using all available channels to ensure the citizens’ voices are represented.
The revamped election is crucial for Romania as it endeavors to revitalize its democracy and maintain its geopolitical alliances amidst the recent election debacle. Criticism has come from notable figures like U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who affirmed democracy’s value, emphasizing the importance of recognizing varied citizen opinions, even when divergent from leadership perspectives.
Significant challenges lie ahead should Simion ascend to the presidency. His critics have voiced concerns over his alleged pro-Russian stance, fearing potential consequences for Romania’s alignment with NATO and the EU amidst ongoing regional tensions. However, Simion maintains that Russia remains a longstanding threat and emphasizes the necessity for fortified NATO presence in strategic areas like Romania, Poland, and the Baltic states.
Political consultant Cristian Andrei warns that a Simion presidency might incite heightened social and economic discontent, with the potential to steer public discussions towards more conservative and populist channels. Andrei highlights the risk of reassessing Romania’s eastern alliances amid heightened skepticism towards the West.
Romanians such as Rares Ghiorghies appreciate Simion’s patriotic and conservative postures, prioritizing national integrity and foreign policy alignment with the United States. Conversely, citizens like Lidia Cremenescu back Dan, citing his governance acumen and ability to address critical national issues such as economic instability, corruption, and regional conflict impacts.