Politics is always easy to interpret after the fact. As a consequence of the anti -communist revolution in Romania in 1989, during the flourishing of the press, ultra -player titles appeared on the streets. The weekly under the name “Romania Mare” (“Great Romania”), quickly inspired a political party with the same provocative name and revisionist views.
Both the magazine and the party established until the 1930s. However, year after year, they slowly went into the shadows. At that time, Romania – though not without difficulty – gradually entered the mainstream. At the beginning of the 21st century, it joined the European Union and NATO, which was a triumph after the turbulent period of communism.
And yet, now, the terrifying, the spirit of great Romania, polished like Trump, has become a dominant force in the country. George Simion, a politician steeped in an extreme right -wing ideology, is a favorite in the second round of Sunday presidential elections. Regardless of the result, many EU countries struggling with populism must draw conclusions from Romania: This is a case study showing how this phenomenon should not be reacted. If Simion, once a hooligan, will win, It will be the largest coup in Romania from 1989. Investors are terrified, like representatives of NATO and the EU, who are afraid that Romania can join Hungary as an disobedient member of the Union.
The current situation should not surprise anyone.
There were also people willing to help a populist wave, which led to the fact that Simion won 41 percent. votes in the first round. It seems clear that Moscow was behind the cyberkampania aimed at strengthening the message of the right. Calling the election confusion with bots is a proven method of the Kremlin – and at the same time very cheap.
In addition, there are old communist structures, which allegedly financed the alliance for the unity of Romanians (AUR) Simills and its allies. Former officers of Bukarztan secret services prospered after 1989, modeled on KGB practices. Their heirs and colleagues are now sensing the opportunity to get rich in the state ruled by Simills.
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The new generation of journalists and prosecutors revealed one scandal after the other, especially during the social democrats. Just watch the Oscar -nominated documentary film about corruption in healthcare and you can cry.
It just so happens that the outgoing coalition government is probably the cleanest in the history of Romania, but appeared too late to alleviate the dissatisfaction of society from the current state of affairs (he could not effectively convey his message).
The Romanian establishment did not share the “fruit of globalization”, remaining too carefree in the face of the right to the right. Simion built his brand as an opponent of vaccination during a pandemic, using communist suspicion towards your guardianship. Since his party Aur entered the political stage in 2020, Her nationalism was too often underestimated and even tolerated by mainstream.
How stupid this move turned out. When the central elite finally realized the seriousness of the threat, she reacted in a primitive manner, annuling the first round of last year's elections, in which another ultra -ultra -ultra -ultractionalist, Calin Georgescu, citing Russian interference. It was then excluded from participation in repeated elections by the Constitutional Tribunal on the basis of unclear evidence.
In February, the US vice president JD Vance shocked European headquarters, criticizing the EU for limiting freedom of speech, not to mention the word about Russian tyranny. However, he was right, claiming that the reaction in Georgescu was too sharp. And so – as you might have expected – a ban [kandydowania dla Georgescu w wyborach prezydenckich] He only fueled support for the right.
Daniel Mihalescu/AFP/East News/East News
Presidential candidates George Simion and Nicusor Dan take part in the debate, Bucharest, May 8, 2025.
For the magicians of the magician in the United States and outside of them, the victory of Simion would be another welcome nail in the EU coffineven if he declares that he will remain in NATO and the EU in order to obtain moderate voters. The Kremlin must be in the seventh heaven, hearing that he is taking the strings in Romania, taking into account that this country historically hated Russia. As for the Saved Big Romania, contrary to all predictions, their hour came.
Romanian liberals and ethnic minorities place little hopes in Nicusor, the mayor of Bucharest, a mathematician with modest achievements. Even if it wins, the country awaits chaos, if not complete dysfunction.
Sir George Iacobescu, who left Romania during communism and eventually headed one of the largest European real estate companies, Canary Wharf Group, is desperate to support for AUR, especially among the numerous members of the vast diaspora in the EU, who voted for this party in the last elections. “They destroy the country to get rid of the rotten management system,” he says. – It's like burning the whole forest, not just dead trees. It's really an informative story.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
