Jakarta: Far-right candidate George Simion is the frontrunner in the upcoming presidential run-off, following a successful first-round performance. Simion, an admirer of US President Donald Trump, garnered 40.9 percent of the vote on May 4, surpassing expectations. He is now projected to secure about 55 percent in the impending vote, according to the sole published poll.
According to Nam News Network, Remus Stefureac, the director of INSCOP Research, stated that Simion is the clear favourite. Simion’s success in the first round is partly attributed to his strong support among expatriate voters. His opponent, Dan, lacks explicit backing from the pro-European camp, which had initially supported another candidate. However, concerns regarding the implications of a far-right presidency may bolster Dan’s chances.
The resignation of Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu and the collapse of the pro-European government have intensified the election stakes. The new president will have significant influence in appointing a ne
w prime minister and negotiating a parliamentary majority. Simion has expressed intentions to bring former far-right contender Calin Georgescu into power, potentially as prime minister, and his AUR party could enter government.
The political uncertainty has impacted Romania’s economy, with the national currency, the leu, declining in recent days. Stefureac noted that fears of economic instability could increase voter turnout from the 53 percent seen in the first round to potentially 65 percent, offering the centrist candidate a chance to sway the election.
Both candidates have campaigned on promises of change, criticizing the long-standing political dominance in Romania. However, their approaches differ significantly. During a recent debate, Dan emphasized the importance of continuing aid to Ukraine, citing national security risks from Russian aggression. Romania has supported Ukraine by establishing a training center for fighter pilots and providing logistical support for grain exports.
Simion, conversely
, advocates for neutrality and has suggested blocking European decisions on aid as Romania’s head of state. He has expressed admiration for Hungary’s nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban and aims to adopt similar positions in Romania, which could challenge the EU. Simion also intends to seek compensation for Romania’s involvement in the war effort.
The election atmosphere is further charged by memories of the November 24 vote, where far-right politician Georgescu led following a massive TikTok campaign. That election was annulled due to claims of Russian interference, leading to protests. Recently, tens of thousands rallied in Romania to urge the government to maintain its pro-EU stance.