Romania begins new presidential race
Romanian presidential candidates launched their campaigns, engaging with voters and putting up posters ahead of the repeat election that will determine Romania's political direction. The European Union and NATO members will hold a new two-round vote on May 4 and May 18 after the Constitutional Court invalidated December's election following allegations of Russian interference, which Moscow has denied.
With far-right frontrunner Calin Georgescu excluded from the new ballot, ultranationalists have rallied behind George Simion, leader of the opposition Alliance for Uniting Romanians (AUR), currently Romania's second-largest political party. March opinion polls show Simion leading in the first round, with two independent candidates tied for second place.
Simion and AUR had previously supported Georgescu and denounced the election cancellation as a coup. Meanwhile, centrist Bucharest mayor Nicusor Dan, running as an independent, has pledged to guide Romania in the right direction. Dan maintains pro-EU and pro-NATO positions and supports aid for Ukraine.
Former leftist prime minister Victor Ponta, whose politics have shifted toward ultranationalism, is also running as an independent and has challenged Simion to a debate. Polls indicate Dan and Ponta are neck-and-neck for the second runoff position.
The campaign centers on Romania's geopolitical orientation, particularly regarding its relationships with NATO, the EU, and support for Ukraine amid regional tensions. Authorities have implemented stricter regulations to enhance transparency and combat disinformation, especially on social media platforms.
This election represents a critical moment for Romania as it navigates between nationalist sentiments and commitments to international alliances. The outcome could significantly impact whether Romania maintains its pro-Western course or shifts toward a more nationalist position, with implications for its role in European security and politics during a period of heightened regional tensions.
