BUCHAREST, Romania — George Simion, a prominent nationalist and ardent supporter of former U.S. President Donald Trump, has decisively secured victory in Romania’s first-round presidential election redo. Simion, 38, leads the hard-right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR) and is credited with harnessing the country’s surging anti-establishment sentiment to clinch this pivotal win. He will face a pro-Western reformist candidate in a runoff election slated for May 18, potentially steering Romania’s geopolitical direction significantly.

The validity of Romania’s political processes was thrown into turmoil last year when a supreme court nullified an election in which controversial candidate Călin Georgescu initially emerged on top. The court’s decision came amid accusations of electoral misconduct and alleged Russian interference, claims that Moscow has denied. As a vocal critic of the establishment, Simion has framed the recent electoral developments as a reflection of the Romanian populace’s longing for genuine democracy.

Reflecting on his rise, Simion stated, “For decades, the Romanian populace has been sold the illusion of democracy. Now, we are witnessing a collective awakening.” His political journey traces back to Focșani, where he was born in 1986. He has a degree in business administration and has engaged in extensive civic activism, including protests against contentious gold mining projects and advocating for reunification with Moldova.

Since founding AUR in 2019, Simion has positioned the party as a staunch defender of traditional values, emphasizing “family, nation, faith, and freedom.” The party has gained significant traction in Romania’s political arena, emerging as the second-largest force in the legislature. Simion proudly aligns AUR’s objectives with a broader populist movement, including a significant affiliation with Trump’s “Make America Great Again” ideology.

Simion’s platform is firmly anchored in an anti-establishment message. During the COVID-19 pandemic, AUR rallied against lockdown measures and vaccination mandates, reflecting a growing mistrust in governmental authority. The cancellation of the previous election was labeled by him as a “coup d’état,” rooted in his belief that the current political framework has failed to uphold democratic values established after the fall of communism in 1989.

A potential Simion presidency raises complex questions surrounding Romania’s foreign policy. His activities in Moldova led to a ban from entering the country, along with restrictions in Ukraine due to accusations of destabilizing efforts. He maintains, however, that strong relations with these neighboring nations are essential.

Controversy surrounded Simion in March when he made a provocative statement during a protest regarding those who hindered Georgescu’s electoral ambitions, igniting a criminal investigation into charges of inciting violence. He has dismissed the allegations, defending his remarks as a misguided metaphor.

Concerns about Simion’s approach to the European Union and NATO persist. Critics have labeled him as pro-Russian, warning that his presidency might weaken Romania’s ties to Brussels amid ongoing conflicts in Ukraine. He vehemently rejects such claims and characterizes them as politically motivated attacks. Simion asserts that NATO is critical for Romania’s security, calling for a robust military presence across Eastern Europe.

In his critique of the EU, he insists on centralized power shifting towards member states, aligning himself with leaders like Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Critics, including Romanian MEP Siegfried Mureșan, argue that Simion’s views could endanger democratic processes in Romania and stability in Europe, describing him as an extremist with little regard for established governance.

Political theorist Claudiu Tufis posits that accusations labeling Simion as extremist may be exaggerated, comparing him to Hungary’s Viktor Orbán. Nevertheless, he cautions that Simion’s administration could exacerbate divisions in civil rights, particularly concerning LGBTQ+ issues. Tufis believes that the emerging political landscape may lack the expertise necessary to navigate future geopolitical crises effectively.