Populist candidate George Simion is on track to win the first round of Romania’s presidential election, fueling concerns over the country’s future direction.
Romania’s far-right populist leader George Simion appeared poised to win the most votes in Sunday’s presidential election, putting him on track to advance to a runoff on May 18.
With about 50% of ballots counted, Simion led with 42%, followed by former senator Crin Antonescu at 23%. Bucharest Mayor Nicușor Dan trailed in third with 16%. The vote marks a rerun of last year’s election, which was annulled over alleged Russian interference favoring then-frontrunner Calin Georgescu, who has since been barred from running.
Riding a wave of anti-establishment sentiment, the 38-year-old Simion opposes military aid to Ukraine, criticizes EU leadership, and aligns himself with U.S. President Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement.
Political analysts warn that a Simion presidency could isolate Romania, undermine investor confidence, and create instability on NATO’s eastern flank at a time when Ukraine continues to battle a three-year Russian invasion.
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