Romanian Nationalist George Simion Leads First Round of Presidential Elections

In a notable shift within international voting patterns, Romanian nationalist George Simion has emerged victorious in the initial round of the presidential elections held on May 4, 2025, securing over 40% of the votes. This outcome comes at a time when many voters around the globe have recently distanced themselves from candidates perceived as associated with President Trump. Simion stands well ahead of his ten opponents, including Nicusor Dan, the centrist mayor of Bucharest, who is expected to be his rival in the upcoming runoff scheduled for May 18.

The results—though not yet final—suggest that Simion will continue to gain support from both domestic voters and those abroad, particularly Romanians living in other countries, who tend to lean right. This election also serves as a clear response to the recent annulment of a previous presidential ballot by Romania's Constitutional Court, which had invalidated the victory of ultranationalist Calin Georgescu, who faced several legal issues. Despite the controversies surrounding Georgescu, both he and Simion have presented themselves as advocates for the interests of ordinary Romanians against what they label a corrupt political elite. As Romania prepares for the runoff, the implications of this electoral choice are set to resonate well beyond the country’s borders.