Romanian election upset: Simion's nationalist surge stirs NATO debate
George Simion, leader of the nationalist AUR party, secured 40.96% of the votes in the first round of repeat presidential elections in Romania. His proposal to withdraw aid to Ukraine and his alliance with the Law and Justice party (PiS) has sparked controversy. What’s next for Romania in NATO?
What do you need to know?
- George Simion, leader of the AUR party, received 40.96% of the votes in the first round of repeat presidential elections in Romania on Sunday. Coming in second is Nicusor Dan, who received 21% of the votes.
- The country’s constitutional court annulled the previous elections from November 2024 due to irregularities in the campaign of pro-Russian candidate Calin Georgescu.
- George Simion is known for opposing aid to Ukraine, supporting U.S. President Donald Trump, and allying with PiS in the European Conservatives and Reformists Party.
What are the consequences of Simion’s victory?
George Simion, leader of the nationalist AUR party, secured 40.96% of the votes in the first round of repeat presidential elections in Romania. His victory came after the country’s constitutional court annulled the previous elections due to irregularities in the campaign of pro-Russian candidate Calin Georgescu. Simion, known for his criticism of military aid to Ukraine, promises changes in Romania’s foreign policy, which raises concerns about its position in NATO.
Will Romania change its foreign policy?
Simion, an ally of PiS in the ECR group in the European Parliament, has consistently criticized military support for Ukraine. He believes Romania should focus on improving its citizens' economic situation rather than supporting Ukrainian refugees. Simion distances himself from the pro-Russian stance, calling Vladimir Putin a war criminal and emphasizing that leaving NATO would be disastrous.
What are Simion’s future plans?
Simion, who gained support through anti-establishment slogans, promises a return to Christian values and traditional gender roles. His ideological alignment with Donald Trump and support for the "Make Europe Great Again" movement suggest a desire to implement changes in European policy. Simion maintains regular contact with PiS, emphasizing a shared mission of building a Europe of sovereign nations.
