Romania, more divided than ever. Romanians will make a historical choice between two opposite visions of the country – EFE analysis
The presidential elections of May 4, 2025 outline a deeply polarized Romania, in front of a historical choice between two opposite visions of the country. The almost final results indicate a tense confrontation in the second round between the gold leader George Simion and the independent candidate Nicușor Dan.
George Simion and Nicușor Dan. Photo: Facebook
George Simion won the first round with 41% of the votes, almost double compared to his counter -candidate, Nicușor Dan, who obtained about 21%. The golden leader collected over 3.8 million votes, a significant part coming from the diaspora, where it was supported by over 60% of the voters.
In the third place was Crin Antonescu, the candidate of the ruling coalition (PSD-PNL-UDMR), exceeded in the last hours of the voting counts, at a difference of about 86,000 votes.
Nicușor Dan relies on a pro-European campaign
In front of the supporters, Nicușor Dan warned that the stakes of the elections is a fundamental one: the orientation of Romania. The independent candidate said that it would not be a debate between two candidates, but a pro and against the western direction of Romania, declaring that he is optimistic and that he will try to extend his electoral basis.
Asked about the lack of support declared from former candidates, such as Crin Antonescu or Elena Lasconi, Nicușor Dan replied that “It will be important how people will position themselves.”
Simion avoids public exposure
George Simion preferred to send a video message pre -recorded on Sunday night, without public appearances, choosing to strengthen their image through the digital communication strategy that at the propelled, including through social networks such as Tiktok.
Simion was self-proclaimed by Călin Georgescu's political heir, the pro-Russian candidate forbidden by the RCC following suspicions of external interference that led to the cancellation of the 2024 elections.
International tensions
The presidential elections in Romania are carefully followed by the EU and NATO, given the strategic role of the country on the eastern flank of the Alliance. The President of Romania has key duties in the field of foreign policy and defense, and the possibility of an ultra-nationalist, critical leader of Brussels and military support for Ukraine, to take this function arouses international concerns, according to the EFE agency.
George Simion is already considered a controversial character in the region, being declared persona non grata in the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, due to statements regarding the historical borders of Romania.
While the figures seem to favor Simion, analysts say that the public emotion, alliances and mobilization of the last days can radically change the equation, said the analyst Radu Delotte for EFE.
