Presidential race final: George Simion versus Nicușor Dan Final
Competing in the second round of the presidential election in Romania, on May 18, will be the sovereigntist George Simion and the pro-European Nicușor Dan.
Leyla Cheamil, 05.05.2025, 14:00
Romania, divided between the far right and pro-Europeanism, held the presidential election on Sunday, after the previous election in December was annulled by the Constitutional Court due to allegations of foreign interference in the electoral process. There were 11 candidates in the presidential race, four of whom were independents. Romanians who went to the polls sent two candidates with different visions to the second round, which will take place on May 18.
The sovereigntist George Simion, leader of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), a relatively new party, now in opposition, clearly stood out and obtained over 40% of the votes, getting most of votes in the vast majority of Romania’s counties. He is known for his nationalist vision and he advocates a Europe made up of sovereign nations, supporting the protection of Romanian interests within the community bloc. He won many followers through his electoral program, which includes promises to fight for the rights of Romanians in the country and outside the borders of the European Union.
After the polls closed, George Simion congratulated his voters, whom he called ‘winners’. ‘It was more than an election, it was an act of courage, trust, solidarity. I am grateful to them and I assure them that their trust will not be betrayed. This is not just an electoral victory, it is a victory of Romanian dignity, it is the victory of those who have not lost hope, of those who still believe in Romania, a free, respected, sovereign country, Simion said.
In second place, with over 20%, was the mayor of Bucharest, Nicuşor Dan. In his second mandate as mayor of Bucharest, he entered the race as an independent, but is supported by the opposition Save Romania Union (USR) as well as by other parties. A mathematician and former civic activist, the mayor of Bucharest considers himself a supporter of European values and of the alliance with NATO and emphasizes honesty and competence. Among his electoral promises is the reform of state institutions. ‘A difficult second round is coming, with the isolationist candidate, said Nicușor Dan, after learning that he had entered the presidential final. ‘It will not be a debate between individuals, it will be a debate between a pro-Western direction for Romania and an anti-Western direction for Romania, this is what the second round will be about. I call on all Romanians to be part of this battle. I am optimistic that we will win it, that Romania will maintain its Western direction, and I have hopes that, with all the resources that this country has, in a few years, it will be in the place it deserves,’ declared the Bucharest mayor.
After a tight battle with Nicușor Dan, the former liberal leader Crin Antonescu, the common candidate of the current ruling coalition (PSD-PNL-UDMR), who came in third, conceded defeat. Bloomberg notes that Crin Antonescu’s elimination was the second blow to the ruling parties, leaving the government of Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu in a more fragile position. (LS)
