Romanian nationalist Simion before election victory in test of Trump nationalism

Romanian nationalist Simion before election victory in test of Trump nationalism

The eurosceptic one George Simon seems to be on track to be in the first round of the Re-election of the presidency of Romania to win on Sunday, exit polls show. This election will be seen as a test for the rise of the Donald Trump's nationalist style in the European Union considered.

Election process and results

The polls show that the former senator Crin Antonescu (65) and the mayor of Bucharest Nicusor Dan (55) are roughly tied for second place with around 21-23%, behind Simion, who scores between 30 and 33%.

The exit poll data does not include the significant votes of Romanians abroad, where both Simion and Dan are popular.

Political views of George Simion

Simion, 38, opposes military aid to neighboring Ukraine, criticizes the EU leadership and says he identifies with the US president's “Make America Great Again” movement.

"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 continue to believe in a free, respected and sovereign Romania," Simion explained after the exit polls were published.

Consequences of a possible victory

His possible victory in the May 18 runoff could isolate Romania, jeopardize private investment and damage the stability of the eastern NATO bloc, in which Ukraine is fighting a three-year-old Russian invasion is struggling, according to political observers.

"Let's be careful with the results of the exit polls... because they do not include the diaspora's votes. Let's wait for the exact vote count, which will take place later tonight," Dan told his followers.

Background of the choice

The election came five months after an initial attempt was canceled due to alleged Russian interference in favor of far-right frontrunner Calin Georgescu, who has since been barred from running.

Simion cast his vote alongside Georgescu, who called the election a "fraud" and called on people to take back their land. As dozens of people chanted "Calin for president" outside the polling station, Simion declared his vote was "for the restoration of democracy."

The influence of the diaspora

“It is possible that diaspora votes will be enough to put Dan in the runoff,” said Sergiu Miscoiu, a political science professor at Babeș-Bolyai University. “But Dan might have a harder time against Simion.”

The role of the Romanian President

Simion is not the only MAGA-style politician seeking election in Central Eastern Europe. Karol Nawrocki, the presidential candidate of Poland's main nationalist opposition party, is meeting with Trump this week ahead of the May 18 presidential election.

If elected, they would expand a group of Eurosceptic leaders that already includes the prime ministers of Hungary and Slovakia.

“Romania and Poland are two important countries for the United States,” Simion told Reuters on Friday.

"We represent partners and allies, both military and political, for the current (U.S.) administration. That's why it is important that MAGA presidents lead the way in Bucharest and Warsaw."

Current military support

The president of Romania has a semi-executive role that includes commanding the armed forces and chairing the Security Council, which decides on military aid. So far, Romania has donated a Patriot air defense system to Kiev, trained Ukrainian fighter jet pilots and enabled the export of 30 million tons of Ukrainian grain through its Black Sea port of Constanța since Russia's invasion.

In addition, the country's president can veto important EU votes and appoints the prime minister, chief judges, prosecutors and heads of the secret service.

The Trump administration has accused Romania of repressing political opposition and lacking democratic values ​​after the November election due to what Vice President JD Vance described as “weak evidence”, was canceled.