George Simion Leads in Romanian Presidential Polls

George Simion, the leader of the right-wing Union of Romanians (AUR) party, is currently leading the polls for Romania’s presidential election. According to Politico’s Poll of Polls, Simion is expected to secure around 29 percent of the votes in the first round on May 4. He is followed by former National Liberal Party leader Crin Antonescu with 22 percent and Bucharest Mayor Nicușor Dan at 20 percent.

Controversial Election Annulment

The rise of Simion follows a controversial decision by Romanian authorities to annul the results of the previous presidential election in December, where another right-wing candidate, Călin Georgescu, had won the first round. The annulment was based on allegations of election interference and Russian hybrid operations, as reported by Politico.

Simion’s Political Stance and International Relations

At 38 years old, Simion has made a name for himself as a staunch advocate for democracy, rule of law, and constitutional order. In a recent interview with Politico, he emphasized his campaign’s focus on reinstating these principles in Romania. Furthermore, Simion has shown a strong alignment with the U.S. MAGA movement, having met with notable figures such as former Trump adviser Steve Bannon and activist Jack Posobeic in Washington.

“We are the natural allies of the Republican Party and we’re almost perfectly aligned ideologically with the MAGA movement,” Simion stated, highlighting his ideological proximity to American conservative movements.

Legislative Initiatives and Foreign Policy

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Simion has been active in pushing for legislative changes to safeguard the integrity of elections. “It’s imperative to harmonize national legislation with Venice Commission’s recommendations,” Simion tweeted, advocating for fair and free elections in Romania.

On the foreign policy front, Simion has voiced opposition to Romanian military aid to Ukraine but maintains that Romania should continue its membership in NATO and the European Union, focusing primarily on economic cooperation.

Potential Roles and Political Influence

If elected, Simion plans to give a significant role to Georgescu, who has been barred from running again, potentially as prime minister. “I think that’s the normal thing, for him to occupy the role he wants,” Simion remarked, indicating his intentions to involve Georgescu in his administration.

Public and Political Reactions

The AUR, established in 2019, has gained traction by advocating for socially conservative policies and addressing concerns over corruption and the perceived inefficacy of the Romanian political establishment. However, Simion’s approach and rhetoric have been criticized by some, including Mayor Dan who labeled him a “thug” for his aggressive political tactics.

Looking Ahead: The Election Run-Off

The presidential election is set to proceed to a second round on May 18, where the top two candidates will compete in a run-off. Simion’s current lead in the polls positions him as a strong contender to potentially become Romania’s next president.