Romania presidential rerun pits pro-Trump nationalist against pro-EU mayor

Presidential rerun in Romania could shift EU and Ukraine policy as Simion and Dan face off amid political unrest.

A voter exits a booth to cast her ballot at a polling station in Persani, central Romania, during the second round of the presidential elections on May 18, 2025. Photo by Daniel Mihailescu/AFP

By Clarisa Sendy and Anna Fadiah

Romanians headed to the polls on Sunday for a highly anticipated presidential election rerun, in a race widely seen as pivotal for the country’s geopolitical future. The showdown pits far-right leader George Simion, a supporter of former U.S. President Donald Trump, against pro-European Union Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan. The result could alter Romania's foreign policy direction and its role in the NATO alliance, especially regarding military support to Ukraine.

The rerun follows the annulment of the previous year's results, which were voided amid allegations of Russian interference and procedural irregularities. If George Simion wins, Romania—an important NATO member that borders war-torn Ukraine—may pivot toward nationalist and isolationist policies, joining a growing list of EU countries led by Eurosceptic leaders.

A nationalist challenge to Romania’s European path

George Simion, 38, is a former football hooligan turned far-right political leader. He has built his campaign around nationalism, populist rhetoric, and fierce criticism of the European Union. Simion has repeatedly called EU mandates “absurd policies” and vowed to halt Romanian military aid to Ukraine if elected. He has framed the race as a referendum on Romanian sovereignty, stating: “I voted against the inequalities and injustices done to the Romanian people, against abuses and poverty.”

Simion also opposes what he calls the political elite’s betrayal of national values. “This is about putting Romania first,” he declared after casting his vote in Mogosoaia, a suburb outside Bucharest. He was joined by Calin Georgescu, a controversial far-right figure barred from running in the current race but who had been a frontrunner in last year’s annulled election.

Supporters gathered at the polling site, chanting “Calin Georgescu for president,” demonstrating continued backing for nationalist voices in Romanian politics despite efforts by the electoral authorities to limit their influence.

Pro-EU mayor Nicusor Dan aims for continuity and reform

Nicusor Dan, 55, a mathematician and current mayor of Bucharest, represents a stark contrast to Simion. An independent with strong pro-EU credentials, Dan has emphasized transparency, institutional reform, and Romania’s integration with Western democracies. He cast his vote in his hometown of Fagaras, located in Transylvania, stating that “this is a turning point, a crucial election.”

“Romania is choosing its future—not just for the next five years, but for much longer,” Dan said. He has called for an “honest country” that remains committed to European partnerships and rejects isolationism. He also warned that a victory for Simion would threaten democratic institutions and Romania’s strategic alliances.

Analysts suggest that Dan has narrowed the gap after Simion secured nearly 41 percent of the vote in the first round on May 4. The race remains tight, and a higher turnout than the 53 percent recorded in the first round could tip the balance.

A fractured political landscape after years of unrest

The backdrop to the presidential rerun is one of political instability. Just days before the vote, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu resigned, triggering the collapse of the pro-European government coalition. Ciolacu’s candidate failed to reach the runoff, further destabilizing Romania’s already shaky political structure.

With the presidency holding significant powers—including the authority to appoint a prime minister and a veto at EU summits—the winner of this election could initiate major realignments in both domestic governance and foreign policy. Should Simion win, his nationalist Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) party could play a key role in forming a new government.

The political uncertainty has also rattled investors, as Romania remains the EU’s most indebted member state and struggles with soaring inflation. Many fear that nationalist economic policies could exacerbate fiscal instability and delay critical EU-funded infrastructure and energy projects.

Russia, disinformation, and the shadow of cancelled elections

Last year’s election was scrapped by Romania’s constitutional court following reports of foreign interference, particularly from Russia. Authorities accused Moscow of launching coordinated disinformation campaigns and using social media to artificially boost the popularity of Calin Georgescu, Simion’s ally. The Kremlin has denied the allegations.

The cancellation sparked mass protests, with tens of thousands of nationalist supporters taking to the streets. Some demonstrations turned violent. The fallout also triggered strong responses from Western allies, with U.S. officials criticizing the Romanian government for failing to safeguard democratic processes.

This year’s campaign has been conducted in a tense climate, with both candidates exchanging accusations of electoral manipulation. Simion has frequently warned of “massive fraud,” although no credible evidence has been presented. Election monitors from the EU and the OSCE are observing the vote amid concerns about transparency and the fairness of the electoral process.

Voters divided as Romania stands at a crossroads

Voter sentiment reflects the deep divide in Romanian society. Many citizens, like 57-year-old pensioner Catalin Birca, have emphasized the importance of remaining in the European fold. “I voted thinking about a better life,” Birca said in Bucharest. “What are we doing otherwise? Going back to where we started from?”

But the nationalist narrative has resonated with others who feel left behind by globalism and EU austerity measures. Simion’s platform has particularly drawn support in rural regions and among younger voters disillusioned by political corruption and economic stagnation.

Both campaigns have used populist messaging, but while Simion paints a picture of national revival through disengagement from Brussels, Dan argues that progress lies in European integration, democratic stability, and modernization.

What’s next for Romania?

With polls scheduled to close at 9:00 p.m. local time, exit polls are expected shortly thereafter, with official results likely to emerge overnight. The tight race ensures a suspenseful wait, as the future of a nation that straddles East and West hangs in the balance.

The outcome of this presidential rerun will not only determine Romania’s political trajectory but could also ripple across the EU and NATO, impacting the bloc’s unity on issues like military aid to Ukraine and its approach to nationalist insurgencies.

In a region already fraught with geopolitical uncertainty, Romania’s election offers a microcosm of the challenges facing liberal democracies—where nationalism, disinformation, and democratic fatigue continue to test the resilience of political institutions. Whether Romanians will endorse a nationalist shift or reaffirm their place within the European community remains to be seen.