Pro-Russia or pro-Europe? Romania votes in high-stakes election rerun
Romanian voters returned to the polls on May 18 for a closely watched presidential election rerun that may determine the future geopolitical trajectory of the NATO member state.
The election presents a stark choice between two opposing visions: nationalist MP George Simion, 38, and Bucharest mayor Nicușor Dan, 55.
Simion, a hard-right figure known for his admiration of U.S. President Donald Trump, opposes Romania’s continued military support for Ukraine and has frequently criticised the European Union’s leadership. He has aligned himself with far-right ideologies and advocates for a foreign policy shift that would draw Romania closer to Russia.
His opponent, Nicușor Dan, has positioned himself as a centrist and pro-European candidate. A strong supporter of NATO and Ukraine, Dan has pledged to combat corruption and safeguard Romania's existing alliances.
“The intention of continuing the path that Romania has had so far, I voted with hope in the future for my child to grow up in a world where he can say what he wants, what he wants. I voted for membership of the European family,” one voter told AFP.
Another voter emphasised a nationalist vision, stating, “We have come to vote for a sovereign Romania. Dignified, prosperous, in which Romanians, all Romanians from small to large, from all social classes, in the country and abroad, feel proud to be Romanians.”
Simion led the first round of voting with 40.96% of the vote. Dan advanced to the runoff after narrowly defeating Crin Antonescu, the candidate representing the governing coalition, who received just under 21%.
The rerun follows a controversial annulment of the initial election results by Romania’s Constitutional Court in December. The court cited allegations of electoral fraud and external interference, particularly related to Calin Georgescu, a pro-Russian far-right candidate.
Georgescu, who had initially won the first round, was accused of benefiting from a coordinated social media campaign on TikTok that included algorithm manipulation and paid promotions.
In March, Georgescu lost a legal appeal challenging his disqualification from the current election. Despite being barred from the ballot, he has maintained influence in the race.
Georgescu, who voted alongside Simion on the outskirts of Bucharest, has publicly referred to him as his "protégé."
Simon has pledged to appoint Georgescu as prime minister if elected, signalling an intent to pivot Romania’s foreign policy toward closer ties with Moscow.
