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Romanian nationalist Simion on course for election win, early results show

05 May 2025 00:48 (UTC +04:00)

Eurosceptic George Simion appeared on course for victory in the first round of Romania's presidential election re-run on Sunday, partial results showed, after a ballot seen as a test of the rise of Donald Trump-style nationalism in the European Union, APA reports citing Reuters.

Ballots from 50% of voting stations showed former senator Crin Antonescu, 65, in second place, with 23%, behind Simion's 42%. In third place was Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan, 55, at 16%. The top two candidates will meet in a runoff on May 18.

A Simion victory could isolate the country, erode private investment and destabilise NATO's eastern flank, where Ukraine is fighting a three-year-old Russian invasion, political observers say.

"This is not just an electoral victory, it is a victory of Romanian dignity. It is the victory of those who have not lost hope, of those who still believe in Romania, a free, respected, sovereign country," Simion said.

Benefiting from a wave of popular anger against mainstream leaders, Simion, 38, opposes military aid to neighbouring Ukraine, is critical of the EU leadership and says he is aligned with the U.S. president's Make America Great Again movement.

Antonescu, 65, absent from politics for a decade, wants to continue Romania's substantial role in supporting Ukraine, and is well known by the electorate.

Sunday's vote came five months after a first attempt to hold the election was cancelled because of alleged Russian interference in favour of far-right frontrunner Calin Georgescu, since banned from standing again.