Romania’s far-right presidential frontrunner George Simion said the country should be compensated for aiding Ukraine, as he clashed with centrist rival Nicusor Dan in a televised debate ahead of the decisive run-off vote.
Romanian presidential candidate George Simion, who leads the hard-right Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), has called for Romania to be compensated for its support to Ukraine during its ongoing conflict with Russia. In a televised debate, Simion said that Romania’s contributions—including military donations and grain export facilitation—should be reciprocated in the future, whether through reconstruction contracts or other benefits such as grain shipments.
Simion, 38, who opposes military aid to Kyiv and has aligned himself with former U.S. President Donald Trump’s "Make America Great Again" movement, is leading in polls ahead of the May 18 run-off vote against centrist Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan. Simion has also expressed strong criticism of the EU’s defence policies and said he would block EU military support for Ukraine if elected.
Mayor Dan, 55, countered during the debate that Romania’s continued support for Ukraine is vital for national security and aligns with EU interests. He endorsed EU plans to increase defence capacity and reduce reliance on the United States, arguing that military preparedness serves as a deterrent rather than provocation.
Dan warned that Romania should not jeopardise its relations with Western partners, especially as it plays a key role in NATO’s eastern flank logistics. He said that supporting Ukraine's resistance was integral to ensuring peace and stability in the region.
Simion’s stance has raised concerns among analysts, who warn that his presidency could strain Romania’s foreign relations, diminish investor confidence, and undermine NATO cohesion.
Romania’s presidency holds significant influence, including command of the military and participation in EU and NATO decisions requiring unanimous agreement.
Israel said it struck military targets in western and central Iran on Monday, even after U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly told Israeli Prime Min...
The Prime Minister's party is in the lead as Armenian media are reporting that the country's Central Election Commission has completed the vote count...
A powerful earthquake struck off the southern Philippine island of Mindanao on Monday (8 June), killing at least 15 people and triggering tsunami warn...
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Pyongyang on Monday (8 June) for a rare summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, receiving a grand welcome...
Football fans of all ages gathered in Miami Beach for a World Cup sticker trading event, exchanging duplicates and comparing Panini albums as they pre...
Counting is underway in Armenia's elections. The results of the vote are set to determine the political direction of the country of three million people for the next few years. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is hoping to fend off challenges from several pro-Russia candidates to secure a third term.
Armenian authorities arrested six candidates from the pro-Russian Strong Armenia bloc on Saturday, one day before voters were due to take part in parliamentary elections.
The Prime Minister's party is in the lead as Armenian media are reporting that the country's Central Election Commission has completed the vote count in the parliamentary elections. An official announcement is still expected.
Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry has confirmed the number of casualties its citizens suffered as a result of the 5 June drone attacks on the cargo ships Natra and Zircon in the Sea of Azov. In a statement, it said four Azerbaijani citizens were killed and four others were injured.
The results of Armenia’s parliamentary elections will determine the makeup of the National Assembly and shape the country's political direction for the foreseeable future. But in Armenia, the final result is not decided by vote percentages alone. Here's how it works.
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Pyongyang on Monday (8 June) for a rare summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, receiving a grand welcome as he described relations between the two countries as being at a "new historical starting point".
Football fans of all ages gathered in Miami Beach for a World Cup sticker trading event, exchanging duplicates and comparing Panini albums as they prepared for the tournament's opening match.
A city north of Tokyo has suspended classes at all 94 of its primary and middle schools after its first-ever reported bear sighting, amid growing concern over increasing encounters between bears and people across Japan.
A Turkish fishing vessel rescued migrants from a boat in distress in international waters off Malta on Sunday (7 June), after the overcrowded craft capsized in the central Mediterranean.
The leaders of Britain, France and Germany have backed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's proposal to hold direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as efforts to secure a ceasefire continue.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment