Romania’s presidential election, annulled late last year amid allegations of Russian interference, saw a far-right conspiracy theorist prevented from taking office. This outcome brought relief to many, while others protested the perceived disenfranchisement of their votes.
Six months later, another hard-right, Eurosceptic candidate, George Simion, is vying for the presidency. After securing a substantial victory in the first round, he now faces Nicusor Dan, Bucharest’s liberal mayor.
This election could significantly shift Romania, a NATO and EU member, away from the European mainstream. Both candidates cast their ballots, with Simion emphasizing a future “decided by Romanians, for Romanians, and for Romania,” while Dan advocated for “collaboration with our European partners.”
The race remains incredibly tight. In Teleorman county, a traditionally social-democrat region, Simion garnered 57% of the first-round vote, highlighting the widespread appeal of his platform.
A visit to Teleorman reveals a lack of overt political campaigning; however, social media showcases a prevalent political discourse. A recent viral video, featuring traditional imagery and the slogan “I choose Romania,” encapsulates Simion’s appeal.
Felicia Alexandru of Aperio Intelligence attributes Simion’s initial success to a widespread “anti-system, anti-mainstream” sentiment. Decades of dominance by the same political parties have fueled frustration with corruption and ineffective governance.
This protest vote transcends socioeconomic lines. Petre Filip, owner of the Comalat dairy, a business significantly boosted by EU funding, openly supports Simion, reflecting a broader sentiment among his employees.
Simion’s platform, reminiscent of “Make America Great Again,” prioritizes national interests above international collaboration. While condemning Putin’s actions in Ukraine, he has also pledged to end military aid to Kyiv, raising concerns about the future of Ukrainian grain exports through Romania.
His controversial rhetoric, including banning from Ukraine and Moldova for territorial claims, and recent insults directed at his opponent and President Macron, have drawn criticism. Even supporters like Filip express concerns about Simion’s impulsiveness.
In Roșiori de Vede, Roxana, a factory owner, highlights anxieties among international clients regarding Simion’s potential presidency and its implications for business relations. She plans to vote for Dan, emphasizing his competence and contrasting his demeanor with Simion’s aggressive style.
Roxana and her friend Andrea actively campaign for Dan, highlighting the stark contrast between Dan’s measured approach and Simion’s inflammatory rhetoric. They express concern over Simion’s appeal, particularly his promise to disrupt the existing political system.
Dan’s pro-EU and pro-NATO stance and emphasis on honesty provide a stark contrast to Simion’s nationalism. A Simion victory could also bring Calin Georgescu, a figure accused of Russian interference, into power as prime minister, further fueling instability.
The outcome remains uncertain, with the potential for significant political and economic consequences depending on whether Simion maintains his current trajectory or moderates his approach.
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