George Simion, one of the most well-known hard-right candidates in Romania’s history, was defeated in Sunday’s presidential election. Nicușor Dan overthrew him at the end of 2020. The election on May 4 was a turning point for the country. It put Eastern vs. Western political ideologies in an intense zero-sum competition. Simion became the beneficiary of unstinting support, particularly among Romania’s large diaspora. There too, he came up short of the eventual presidency, winning less than 47% of the vote.
Although Simion campaigned on deeply anti-interventionist, MAGA-adjacent lines, vehemently opposing military aid to Ukraine, her victory was not a total fluke. He made vehemently anti-European Union comments. He positioned himself as a representative of “sovereigntist patriots and conservatives around the world,” echoing sentiments often associated with Trump-style nationalism in Europe. His aggressive rhetoric tapped into a rich, fertile ground of anti-government sentiment that had boiled to the surface among Romanians disenchanted by established parties.
In the first round of voting, Simion routed the field in an unexpected blowout. He secured roughly 60% of the votes among the Romanians living abroad, one of the biggest Romanian diaspora populations in the world. His success in this first round led to a lot of prognostication about how he would do in the final election. His momentum collapsed after a widely televised debate in which he was brutally stomped by Dan.
Despite his defeat, Simion’s resolve appears unshaken. He addressed his supporters after the election results were announced, stating, “It was an honor for me to represent our movement in this battle. We lost this battle, but we didn’t and will never lose our war.” This announcement is just the latest example of him seeking to further his political ambitions and raise supporters to fight for his vision of the world.
The election outcome elicited varied reactions. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, expressed her satisfaction with the electoral process, noting, “The Romanian people have turned out massively to the polls. They have chosen the promise of an open, prosperous Romania in a strong Europe. Together let’s deliver on that promise.” This declaration illustrates the competing visions for Romania’s future as seen through the eyes of varying political parties.
Simion’s loss is an important indictment on the growing tide of nationalism across Europe. Countries are facing these big questions around nationalism, borders, immigration, and economic security. Yet his candidacy injected new life into protests over where Romania should stand in an increasingly polarized geopolitical landscape.
As we mentioned earlier, supporters of Simion have made much of his appeal to voters hungry for real change and tired of the status quo and traditional, establishment politics. His followers often cite his admiration for former U.S. President Donald Trump as indicative of a broader movement towards right-wing populism across Europe.
Simion has previously expressed sharply critical views of the EU. His unwillingness to commit to military action has been a profound cause for concern among supporters of deeper relations with Western allies. His loss could mark a turning point for hard-right populist movements both in Romania and throughout Europe.
Though Romania is still finding its way in this complicated political world, the repercussions of this election stretch further than the country’s borders. The result will have an impact on upcoming elections and on discussions of identity versus unity as they unfold in Poland, Hungary, Italy and beyond.
