Romania’s Constitutional Court unanimously upheld the presidential election rerun results, rejecting hard-right candidate George Simion’s request for annulment. Simion, who lost decisively to pro-EU candidate Nicusor Dan, alleged foreign interference and irregularities, but provided no evidence. The Court’s decision is final, validating Dan’s victory with 53.6% of the vote. Dan, the newly elected president, expressed gratitude to the Romanian people and acknowledged the significant challenges ahead.
Read More
Exit polls indicate a surprising victory for pro-Western centrist Nicusor Dan over hard-right populist George Simion in Romania’s presidential election. Despite Simion’s strong first-round showing, Dan currently holds a narrow lead, although Simion has disputed the results. This outcome contrasts with pre-election polling and Simion’s significant advantage in the first round. Dan’s win signals a potential shift away from the rising populist tide in Europe and a continued commitment to pro-EU and NATO stances.
Read More
The recent poll showing Bucharest’s pro-EU mayor, Nicușor Dan, surpassing the nationalist frontrunner, George Simion, in Romania’s presidential race is certainly generating significant buzz. This unexpected shift in the polls, just days before the election, is prompting considerable speculation and analysis. The outcome of this election holds significant implications for Romania’s future relationship with the European Union and its geopolitical stance.
The poll, conducted between May 10th and 13th by IRSOP, indicates a significant lead for Dan, with 52% of respondents expressing support compared to Simion’s 48%. This is a dramatic reversal from earlier polls, which showed Simion with a considerable advantage.… Continue reading
George Simion, a far-right ultranationalist and self-proclaimed ally of Donald Trump, won the first round of Romania’s presidential re-run election with 40.5% of the vote. He will face centrist Nicusor Dan in a May 18th runoff. Simion’s victory, fueled by anti-establishment sentiment and concerns about poverty, could shift Romania away from its pro-Western stance, impacting its relationships with the EU and NATO. The previous election was annulled due to alleged Russian interference.
Read More
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the removal of Romania from its visa waiver program, effective immediately. This decision follows prior criticism from U.S. Vice President JD Vance regarding last year’s canceled Romanian presidential election. While the DHS did not explicitly link the two, the timing and context suggest a connection, particularly given hard-right candidate George Simion’s prediction of reinstatement upon a “return to democracy.” The Romanian foreign ministry disputes the decision, asserting the country meets all visa waiver program requirements. The DHS statement leaves open the possibility of future reinstatement if Romania continues to meet the criteria.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood