Introduction
As Romania gears up for a pivotal presidential runoff on May 18, 2025, far-right candidate George Simion has sparked controversy by accusing French President Emmanuel Macron of meddling in the country’s election. The rerun, prompted by allegations of Russian interference in a canceled November 2024 vote, pits Simion against pro-EU Bucharest mayor Nicusor Dan in a race with significant implications for EU and NATO geopolitics. This article delves into the escalating tensions, the stakes for Romania, and a fascinating historical fact about the nation’s past.
Simion’s Accusations in Paris
On a visit to Paris on May 16, 2025, George Simion, leader of Romania’s far-right Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), accused Macron of interfering in Romania’s presidential election rerun. Speaking at a press conference alongside French far-right MEP Marion Marechal, Simion labeled the annulment of last year’s election a “coup d’etat” orchestrated by Paris and Brussels. “My message is clear: ‘Back off!’ It is not your job to get involved with the free sovereign will of the Romanian people,” he declared, as reported by France24.
[](https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20250504-nationalist-george-simion-trump-fan-wins-first-round-romania-presidential-election-nicusor-dan)Simion’s remarks drew a sharp response from France’s Minister for Europe, Benjamin Haddad, who posted on X, deploring the “offensive remarks about France” and the spread of “false information.” The incident underscores the high stakes of the election, which is being closely monitored by Brussels, Washington, Kyiv, and Moscow.
[](https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20250504-nationalist-george-simion-trump-fan-wins-first-round-romania-presidential-election-nicusor-dan)Election Background and Russian Meddling Allegations
Romania’s presidential election was annulled in December 2024 after ultranationalist Calin Georgescu unexpectedly won the first round, fueled by a massive TikTok campaign and allegations of Russian interference. The constitutional court’s rare decision to cancel the vote—a first in the EU—barred Georgescu from the rerun. Simion, who secured 41% in the first round on May 4, 2025, has capitalized on the far-right momentum, styling himself as Georgescu’s successor.
[](https://www.politico.eu/article/romanian-election-exit-polls-george-simoon-hard-right/)Recent polls, such as one by AtlasIntel, show Simion and Dan tied at 48.2%, indicating a tight race. Simion, a vocal supporter of Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement, predicts a landslide victory, stating, “On Sunday, I will be the next president of Romania,” in a Facebook Live broadcast.
[](https://kyivindependent.com/romania-heads-to-historic-presidential-runoff-as-populist-and-pro-eu-candidate-are-neck-and-neck/)
Geopolitical Stakes and Far-Right Surge
The Romanian election is a microcosm of broader European trends, with far-right parties gaining ground, achieving their best results since World War II. Simion, who denies pro-Russian ties, opposes military aid to Ukraine and advocates a harder EU stance against Russia, despite Romania’s strategic role as a NATO member supporting Kyiv. His irredentist calls to reclaim territories in Moldova and Ukraine have led to bans from both countries.
[](https://www.politico.eu/article/george-simion-romania-presidential-election-profile-ukraine/)[](https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20250505-george-simion-hard-right-nationalist-wants-to-make-romania-great-again-maga-trump-georgescu)Nicusor Dan, a pro-EU reformist, positions the runoff as a battle between pro- and anti-Western visions for Romania. “It’s our task to convince Romanians that Romania needs the pro-Western direction,” he said. The outcome could impact Romania’s role in EU and NATO, especially given its support for Ukraine’s grain exports and military aid.
[](https://www.politico.eu/article/romanian-election-exit-polls-george-simoon-hard-right/)[](https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/05/07/i-would-like-ukraine-to-enter-the-eu-romanian-presidential-hopeful-nicusor-dan-tells-euron)Fascinating Historical Fact: Romania’s Lost Treasure
In 1916, during World War I, Romania sent its national treasury—gold, jewels, and cultural artifacts—to Russia for safekeeping as German forces advanced. The treasure, valued today at billions of dollars, was never returned, with Russia claiming it was lost or confiscated after the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution. Some historians speculate it funded Soviet projects, while conspiracy theories suggest it remains hidden in Kremlin vaults, a lingering point of tension between Romania and Russia.
[](https://cepa.org/article/romanias-post-election-foreign-policy-in-the-balance/)By via AFP | Published: May 16, 2025