Romanian far-right candidate wins 1st round of presidential elections

Simion, the candidate of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), received more than 40.2% with over 98% of the votes counted, according to the Romanian Permanent Electoral Authority.

He was followed by the centrist mayor of the capital city of Bucharest, Nicusor Dan, with over 20.8%.

Fellow Centrist Crin Antonescu of the ruling Social Democratic Party was third with nearly 20.5%.

As no candidate garnered the 50%+1 required majority to be elected, the country will hold a second round of elections on May 18.

The 38-year-old Simion is known for his controversial remarks reflecting his ultra-nationalist and Eurosceptic views.

On Nov. 24, 2024, Romania held its first round of presidential elections, which were won by far-right pro-Russian candidate Calin Gorgescu.

But Romania's Constitutional Court annulled the results as well as a run-off scheduled for Dec. 8, saying the election process was manipulated in favor of Georgescu by a Russia-backed campaign.