Romania's election upheaval: Simion's rise stirs NATO debate
George Simion, leader of the nationalist AUR party, secured 41% of the votes in the first round of the repeat presidential elections in Romania. His proposal to withdraw aid to Ukraine and his alliance with the Polish 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 41% of the votes in the first round of the repeat presidential elections in Romania on Sunday. In second place is Nicușor Dan, who received 21% of the votes.
- The Constitutional Court annulled the previous elections held in November 2024 due to irregularities in the campaign of the pro-Russian candidate Călin Georgescu.
- George Simion is known as an opponent of providing aid to Ukraine, a supporter of U.S. President Donald Trump, and an ally of 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 41% of the votes in the first round of the repeat presidential elections in Romania. His victory results from the annulment of the previous elections by the Constitutional Court, which identified irregularities in the campaign of pro-Russian candidate Călin Georgescu. Simion, known for his criticism of military aid to Ukraine, promises changes in Romania’s foreign policy. This 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 repeatedly criticised military support for Ukraine. In his opinion, Romania should focus on improving the economic situation of its citizens instead of supporting Ukrainian refugees. Simion distances himself from the pro-Russian line, calling Vladimir Putin a war criminal and emphasising that leaving NATO would be a disaster.
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 close ideological alignment with Donald Trump and his support for the "Make Europe Great Again" movement indicate a desire to introduce changes in European policy. Simion maintains regular contact with PiS, emphasising the shared mission of building a Europe of sovereign nations.
