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Ultranationalist Wins First Round Of Romania Elections

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News

BUCHAREST/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – An ultranationalist who opposes military support for Ukraine, criticizes the European Union, and calls himself the “natural partner” of U.S. President Donald J. Trump has won the first round of Romania’s presidential election redo, official data showed.

George Simion, 38, of the Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR), outpaced all other candidates in the polls, with 40.5 percent of the vote, with 99 percent of ballots counted from Sunday’s vote.

The election occurred just months after an annulled vote plunged the EU and NATO military alliance member nation into its worst political crisis in decades.

Far behind in second place was Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan, with nearly 20.89 percent, and in third place, the governing coalition’s joint candidate, Crin Antonescu, with 20.34 percent. Antonescu conceded defeat after midnight, saying he believed it was an “irreversible result.”

When the exit polls were published, Simion said: “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.”

Polls suggested Simion could beat Dan in a runoff in two weeks but would face a more challenging race against Antonescu.

Simion’s victory was due to be welcomed by U.S. President Trump and other conservative nationalists in Europe and beyond. U.S. Vice President JD Vance had accused Bucharest of denying democracy after the original ballot was canceled.

MOSCOW-FRIENDLY

That vote was won by Călin Georgescu, who was seen by critics as a far-right, Moscow-friendly independent who declared zero campaign spending.

Romania’s Constitution Court annulled it after declassified intelligence documents accused Russia of interference, including through the social media platform TikTok, where Georgescu became popular.

In February, Georgescu, who denies any wrongdoing, was placed under investigation on charges such as “misreporting” campaign finances, “misusing digital technology,” and “promoting” fascist groups.

In March, he was eventually barred from standing in the rerun.

However, his ally Simion, who appeared next to him casting a ballot, has pledged to support efforts to make Georgescu the prime minister.

“There are several ways in which, if the Romanian people want, Mr. Georgescu can be in the leadership, and we will use it,” Simion told foreign reporters on Sunday.

“We can form a majority and have him as a prime minister; we can have snap elections, or we can call for a referendum,” Simion stressed, without specifying what referendum he was considering.

CRITICS CONCERNED

Critics veer such a move could lead to Romania, which shares a border with Ukraine, becoming another disruptive force within the EU and NATO.

Analysts say anti-establishment sentiment is running high in Romania, where the median household income is one-third of the EU average.

Several voters expressed hope that life will become better under a new leadership.

More than 30 percent of the country’s 19 million people are at risk of poverty and social exclusion, and nearly 20 percent of the workforce is working abroad, say researchers.

Romania’s president has a semi-executive role with considerable powers over foreign policy, national security, defense spending, and judicial appointments.

They also represent the country internationally and can veto important EU votes.