Far-Right Nationalist George Simion Leads Romania’s Presidential Election

George Simion, the leader of the far-right Alliance for the Unification of Romanians (AUR), has emerged as a frontrunner in Romania’s presidential election. Preliminary results from the Central Electoral Bureau indicate that Simion garnered an impressive 40.1% of the vote, with 81% of ballots counted. His closest competitor, Crin Antonescu, the pro-government candidate from the center-left Forward Romania Alliance, received 21.29%, making Simion’s advancement to the second round, scheduled for May 18, 2025, nearly certain.

Simion’s rise has raised alarms in Bucharest, Kyiv, and Chisinau, particularly given his controversial positions, including advocating for an end to military aid to Ukraine and promoting the unification of Romania with Moldova. His nationalist rhetoric has previously resulted in his designation as persona non grata in Moldova, reflecting the broader concerns about his influence on regional stability.

At just 39 years old, Simion has campaigned on a populist platform that criticizes both the European Union and NATO, while pledging to defend what he describes as “Romanian identity.” His calls to halt arms sales to Ukraine, labeling them a “source of instability,” have resonated with voters struggling with economic challenges and migration issues. Furthermore, Simion has expressed open support for the annexation of Moldova, leading to his previous bans from entering both Moldova and Ukraine due to accusations of anti-Ukrainian rhetoric.

In a notable development, Simion plans to appoint Calin Georgescu as prime minister, a far-right candidate whose 2024 victory was annulled amid allegations of Russian interference. This decision underscores a potential shift in Romania’s political landscape should Simion secure the presidency.

The elections on May 4 were a rerun following the Constitutional Court’s annulment of the 2024 vote, in which Georgescu had achieved 22.9% through a controversial TikTok campaign involving numerous fake accounts, as reported by intelligence agencies. The court’s ruling, supported by President Klaus Iohannis, led to his resignation on February 10, 2025, amid pressure from the AUR and sparked a crisis of confidence in Romania’s democratic institutions.

Voter turnout for the May 4 elections was approximately 40%, a significant decrease from the 52% recorded in the previous year, reflecting widespread disillusionment among the electorate.

Unlike Georgescu, Simion has effectively harnessed social media and street rallies, branding himself as “the voice of humiliated Romanians,” which may have contributed to his electoral success.