Right-wing George Simion is currently ahead in the polls, securing over 40% of the votes.
George Simion, a vocal critic of the European Union who is barred from entering Ukraine, emerged as the frontrunner in Sunday’s rerun of the Romanian presidential election’s initial round.
With over 95% of the votes tallied, Simion, who heads the right-wing Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), garnered 40.52% of the vote, according to G4 Media.
Former senator Crin Antonescu and Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan, both known for their pro-EU stances, each received slightly above 20% of the votes.
According to Reuters, Simion stated, “This is more than just an election win; it’s a victory for Romanian pride. It’s a win for those who haven’t given up hope and still believe in a free, respected, and sovereign Romania.”
The election was held following the annulment of the November results by Romania’s Constitutional Court. In the initial election, independent right-wing candidate Calin Georgescu received 23% of the votes. The court cited “irregularities” in Georgescu’s campaign and intelligence reports alleging Russian interference. Moscow dismissed these interference claims as “anti-Russia hysteria.”
In March, the Central Electoral Bureau prevented Georgescu from running again, citing alleged “anti-democratic” and “extremist” views, as well as non-compliance with electoral procedures. On Sunday, Georgescu and Simion arrived together at a polling station. Simion told reporters, “We are here with one goal: to restore constitutional order and democracy.”
In November 2024, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) stated that Simion was blacklisted due to his “systematic anti-Ukrainian activities that contradict Ukraine’s national interests and violate its state sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
Simion claimed he was targeted for his “promotion of historical truth” among the Romanian minority in western Ukraine. He was also prohibited from entering neighboring Moldova, which he called “an artificial country” that “will never join the European Union.”
Simion has voiced his opposition to sending weapons to Kiev, stating last year, “We will not send military aid to Ukraine, and that doesn’t make us pro-Russian.”
He has also been critical of EU officials, saying, “The EU is a remarkable project that brought peace to Europe after centuries of war, but Brussels has become a greedy and corrupt bubble.”
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