George Simion, leader of Romania's second-largest party, emerged as the candidate for the May presidential election re-run after an ally withdrew from the race, significantly enhancing his chances of advancing to the run-off vote.
The European Union and NATO member will conduct its two-round election on May 4 and 18 after the Constitutional Court annulled the initial ballot in December amid allegations of Russian interference favoring far-right, pro-Russian frontrunner Calin Georgescu. Georgescu, who has denied the accusations, continues to assert his candidacy.
Should a far-right candidate successfully appeal to Georgescu's supporters, it could shift another Central European country closer to Moscow, joining Hungary and Slovakia.
Georgescu has refrained from endorsing a single candidate following the rejection of his bid.
Simion, leading the hard-right Alliance for Uniting Romanians (AUR), and Anamaria Gavrila, head of the Young People Party (POT), initially entered the race with a mutual agreement to support one candidate if both were approved by election authorities. Gavrila withdrew her candidacy on Wednesday.
"We decided to support the one who has the best chance of winning," she stated in a joint video with Simion posted on their social media accounts. "We must transcend party lines and, as Mr. Georgescu indicated, support this ultranationalist movement by giving it every opportunity."
At 38 years old, Simion has transformed his six-year-old party from a fringe anti-vaccination group during the pandemic into Romania's leading opposition force, appealing to the working-class diaspora and young voters while capitalizing on widespread dissatisfaction with mainstream politicians.
"Now, more than ever, Romania needs the unity of its national forces," Simion declared on social media.
He has positioned himself as not being pro-Russian, labeling President Vladimir Putin a war criminal, and advocates for Romania's continued member status in the European Union. However, like Georgescu, he has suggested that Romania should adopt a more assertive approach to protect its interests.
Simion has expressed support for restoring Romania's pre-World War II borders, which include territories now in Bulgaria, Moldova, and Ukraine. As a result, he has been declared persona non grata in the latter two countries.
A recent poll indicated that Simion would advance to the run-off vote but is currently trailing Nicusor Dan, the centrist mayor of Bucharest running as an independent.