Romania on Edge as Populist George Simion Eyes Presidency in High-Stakes Runoff

Romania is bracing for a tense and potentially transformative presidential election runoff this Sunday, just five months after the original vote was annulled under controversial circumstances. At the center of the political storm is George Simion, a far-right nationalist and populist leader who has drawn comparisons to Donald Trump and aligned himself with the global MAGA movement.

Simion dominated the first round of the re-run on May 4, capturing 41% of the vote—twice as much as his rival, Nicusor Dan, the independent centrist mayor of Bucharest. Though Simion seemed headed for an easy win, Dan’s strong performance in a televised debate has tightened the race dramatically. A recent poll even shows the two candidates deadlocked at 48% each.

A Rematch Fueled by Controversy and Conspiracy

This election is unfolding under the shadow of last year’s annulled vote. That contest was initially won by Calin Georgescu, a little-known ultranationalist whose campaign surged on TikTok before being disqualified over alleged Russian interference and criminal charges, including accusations of leading a fascist group. Georgescu has since been barred from running again.

In a symbolic gesture, Simion and Georgescu appeared together at a polling station during the May 4 vote, reinforcing their ideological alliance. “You can kill a man, but you can’t kill an idea,” observers noted—a sentiment seemingly embraced by Simion as he campaigns to revive Georgescu’s political vision.

Populist Playbook: MAGA Messaging and Social Media Strategy

Simion has worked hard to cast himself as Romania’s anti-establishment champion. He’s courted international hard-right figures, appeared on Steve Bannon’s “War Room” podcast, and directly appealed to MAGA supporters, promising to bring Georgescu back into Romania’s leadership—though without specifying how.

“If all goes well,” Simion said, “he’ll be back in charge.”

Simion’s social media-first strategy—particularly his dominance on TikTok—has allowed him to sidestep traditional media and control his message. But his avoidance of live debates has drawn criticism. After a weak showing in his only televised face-off with Dan, Simion has skipped subsequent scheduled debates, prompting accusations of dodging scrutiny.

“He prefers controlled environments like TikTok,” said Oana Popescu-Zamfir, director of the Bucharest-based GlobalFocus Center. “In a debate, you get to see the contrast—and that’s what his team wants to avoid.”

Dan’s Late Surge: A Quiet Candidate Gains Steam

While Simion builds his populist brand, Nicusor Dan has gained traction with a very different message. A mathematician and longtime civic activist, Dan has positioned himself as a reformer focused on ending corruption and restoring competence in government. His calm, data-driven approach is resonating—especially in Romania’s urban centers, where streets have recently filled with EU flags in a show of support.

Dan’s campaign has momentum, and many see him as a last line of defense for Romania’s pro-European direction. He pledges to keep the country aligned with the West, unlike Simion, who seeks closer ties with nationalist leaders like Hungary’s Viktor Orbán and Slovakia’s Robert Fico—both critics of the EU.

A Risky Future for the EU and the Region

The stakes of this election extend well beyond Romania. If Simion wins, analysts fear he could join a rising coalition of anti-Brussels populists who might obstruct EU policy, especially on aid for Ukraine and sanctions against Russia.

“His alignment with other sovereigntist leaders could stall EU decision-making,” warned one observer.

Simion’s nationalist rhetoric and antagonism toward the EU have raised concerns within the Romanian diaspora—a community that traditionally supports outsider candidates. Ironically, many of those living abroad left Romania after joining the EU in 2007, seeking better opportunities across Europe. In the first round, about 60% of the diaspora voted for Simion.

Yet, according to Oxford University professor Corneliu Bjola, it’s a contradiction. “If Simion follows through on his agenda, life for the diaspora could get a lot harder.”

Economic Warnings and Political Tensions

Markets have already shown signs of unease. Following Simion’s strong first-round performance, Romania canceled a bond auction, and the central bank had to intervene to stabilize the national currency. Economists warn that a Simion presidency could trigger further instability.

But it’s not just the economy that’s at risk. Many Romanians fear a slide back into authoritarianism. Bjola says the anxiety in Bucharest is the most intense he’s seen since the fall of dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu in 1989.

Simion has added to those fears with incendiary comments. After Georgescu was banned from running, he declared the officials responsible “should be skinned alive in the public square.” The announcement sparked clashes in the capital between Georgescu supporters and police.

Now, with the runoff looming, Simion has already begun casting doubt on the legitimacy of the process. “We are winning by a landslide,” he told far-right American commentator Jack Posobiec. “The only thing that can stop us is interference in the voting process.”

What Comes Next?

Romania’s presidential runoff is shaping up to be a defining moment—not just for the country, but for the future of Eastern Europe’s political alignment. Will voters embrace the populist wave surging across Europe, or choose a more moderate, pro-EU path?

As polls open this Sunday, the world will be watching.