Nationalist George Simion Dominates First Round in Romania’s Presidential Redo

BUCHAREST, Romania — Hard-right nationalist George Simion has emerged as the clear frontrunner in Romania’s high-stakes presidential election redo, securing more than 40% of the vote in the first round and shaking up the country’s political landscape.

With nearly all ballots counted, Simion — the 38-year-old leader of the Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR) — pulled in 40.5% of the vote, far ahead of Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan, who finished second with 20.9%, and centrist coalition candidate Crin Antonescu, who landed just behind at 20.3%.

The runoff between Simion and Dan is set for May 18, following a turnout of 53.2% — including nearly a million votes cast abroad.

Why This Election Matters

This presidential rerun was triggered by a major political crisis: Romania’s top court annulled the original election held last year over alleged electoral violations and suspected Russian interference. That vote had seen far-right candidate Calin Georgescu unexpectedly top the first round. He has since been barred from running and is under investigation.

Despite this, nationalist sentiment has remained strong — and Simion has capitalized on it.

Simion’s Message: Nationalism, Populism, and MAGA Inspiration

After polls closed Sunday, Simion declared the results a turning point.

“Romanians have risen up… I want democracy, I want normalcy,” he said in a recorded statement.
“I’m here to restore constitutional order and return power to the people.”

Simion, who backed Georgescu in last year’s race, has styled himself as Romania’s populist answer to global elites. His AUR party — founded in 2020 — has surged in popularity on a platform of “faith, family, nation, and freedom.” He openly embraces comparisons to the MAGA movement and says Romania needs a “return to basic democratic values.”

Who’s Challenging Him?

• Nicusor Dan, a mathematician and anti-corruption advocate, is running on a pro-EU, clean-governance platform.

“This is a new beginning — one that must be done right,” he said Sunday.

• Crin Antonescu, a seasoned centrist politician, conceded defeat and called for national unity, saying:

“We are all citizens of the same country. Democracy is a battle of ideas.”

• Victor Ponta, a former prime minister, pushed a Trump-style “Romania First” message and finished fourth with 14.3%.
• Elena Lasconi, once a rising anti-establishment voice, secured just 2.6% in the rerun.

Analysts Say This Vote Is Reshaping Romania’s Political Landscape

Political strategist Cristian Andrei said Simion’s lead signals a dramatic shift.

“We’re witnessing a collapse of the traditional political order,” he said.
“If Dan makes the runoff, it’ll mark a deep rejection of the political establishment.”

Andrei describes the country as split between two forces:

• A populist, nationalist movement that wants a break from the old system.
• A liberal, urban, pro-Western bloc that demands reform and stability.

The Bigger Picture: EU, NATO, and Global Eyes Watching

Romania’s presidency holds real power over national security and foreign affairs. The turmoil around the annulled election and the banning of Georgescu’s candidacy has drawn international attention — including criticism from U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Elon Musk, and Russia, which had backed Georgescu.

Simion’s surge — and his overt alignment with global populist rhetoric — is raising concerns in Brussels and Washington, especially as Romania plays a key role in NATO’s eastern flank.

What’s Next

With the second round set for May 18, all eyes are now on whether Simion’s momentum will carry him to the presidency — or if Romania’s urban, pro-European voters will rally behind Nicusor Dan to block a hard-right shift.

This runoff could define the future of Romania’s democracy and its place in Europe.