George Simion: Favorite at Romania's repetition of the presidential election!

George Simion: Favorite at Romania's repetition of the presidential election!

This day, May 4, 2025, indicates that George Simion, the head of the ultra-nationalist Aur party, is the favorite candidate when repeating the presidential election in Romania. According to the latest projections, Simion is 40.5 percent of the vote, and more than 80 percent of the votes have already been counted. The political conditions in the country are tense after the previous election in 2024 was canceled due to irregularities, which also contains the current election situation. op-online.de reports about it.

The political competitors of Simion do not come to him. Crin Antonescu, the pro-European candidate, is only just ahead of Nicusor Dan, the mayor of Bucharest, who reaches 18.6 percent. Victor Ponta, another competitor and former PSD politician, achieves 14.6 percent. If no candidate reaches the absolute majority of over 50 percent, a second ballot will take place on May 18, which would further increase political uncertainty in the country.

background of the choice

The presidential election in Romania triggered a scandal in November 2024 when the previous winner Călin Georgescu declared invalid by the constitutional court due to irregularities in campaign financing. Georgescu had been excluded from a new candidacy and is currently under public prosecutor's investigation. The Georgescu, which is considered to be right -wing radical, was supported by Simion, who now leads the remains of his political movement after Georgescu handed over his support to him. tagesschau.de provides further information about the background.

Simion has a controversial political past, among other things he was active in the area of football ultras and involved in violent clashes. He describes himself as a right -wing populist and rejects liberal values, but does not see himself as an opponent of the EU. Rather, he emphasizes that he wants to represent Romanian interests.

election campaign and mood in the country

The political mood in Romania is characterized by great dissatisfaction and anger, especially after the last election can be canceled. Simion Aur pursues an ultra nationalist, anti-liberal, authoritarian and pro-clerical line. In the current geopolitical situation, Simion rejects military aid for Ukraine, but is critical of Russia and describes Putin as an aggressor. Dealing with the EU is also up for debate, since Simion is skeptical about the European Union.

With an estimated turnover of over 60 percent, an exciting race for the second ticket for the runoff election is expected, where Crin Antonescu and Nicusor Dan are in direct competition. Antonescu sees many as part of a corrupt government coalition, while Dan stands for pro-European reforms and the fight against corruption. Spiegel.de emphasizes the complex political dynamics shape impending elections.