The Romanians vote in the election that could drive the ultra -nationalist Trump allies to power

The Romanians vote in a repetition of the presidential election, which criticizes an ultra -nationalist who speaks against Ukraine against military aid, and describes the leadership of the EU and describes himself as “natural allies” by Donald Trump.

The 38-year-old George Simion lies conveniently before the votes of the first round in the EU and NATO member state, almost six months after the original ballot had been canceled after proving an alleged “massive” Russian influence campaign.

The choice is observed closely: a right-wing extremist victory could lead to Romania, which divides a border to Ukraine, moves from its pro-western path and becomes another disturbing force within the block and the transatlantic defense alliance.

After the election had been canceled, hard legal politicians worldwide, including high-ranking Trump administration, accused themselves of having spamed the freedom of speech with tramplings and ignored “the voice of the people”. The US Vice President JD Vance accused the Romania authorities of “stopping elections because they do not like the result”.

The original vote in November last November was won by Călin Georgescu, a right-wing extremist, anti-EU, Moscow-friendly independent, which did not explain campaign expenditure for zero campaigns, but rose less than 5% days before the voting department with 23%.

The constitutional court accepted the coordination after the sued secret services had shown a suspected Russian influence surgery, including several cyber attacks on the IT system of the election course and large-scale social media that interfered in Georgescus.

In February, Georgescu, who contested any misconduct, was examined in relation to counts, including the incorrect report of campaign finances, the abuse of digital technology and the promotion of fascist groups, and in March he was excluded from the repeat.

Simion hopes to benefit from public anger in the cancellation and the payment of Georgescu. “It is clear that a strong anti-western trend has been built up and that the direction of Romania is unpredictable risks,” said Cristian Pîrvulescu, a political scientist.

As in the original campaign, social media – especially TikKok – play an important role. Simion, whose contributions combine nationalist rhetoric with an emotionally charged delivery and direct speeches to the camera, contains 1.3 million followers in the app.

“The time for the rebirth came,” he said in a video published on Tuesday. “Our nation will find its way again … We have the power to be reborn and go forward, united and stronger.”

The right-wing extremist candidate, whose party, the alliance for the Union of the Romanians (Aur), began as an anti-Vaxx movement during pandemic, aims to bring Georgescu to the government if he wins, although the extreme law has no parliamentary majority.

Simion described himself as a “moderate” as Georgescu and repeatedly insisted on Romania's “sovereignty”. He asked for territories that were part of Romania but were ceded into the USSR in World War II and are now part of Moldova and Ukraine to return to Romania. Simion is forbidden to enter both Moldova and Ukraine.

In contrast to Georgescu, Simion has often denounced Russia while he was unpublished by Brussels and praised Trump's Republicans in the United States. He said he wanted to set up an alliance of countries within the EU “in the spirit of Maga”.

With about 30% in the surveys, Simion are about 10 points ahead of his two centric rivals, the mayor of Bucharest, the Nicușor Dan and Crin Antonescu, supported by the Governing Social Democratic Party (PSD) and the national liberal party of the Central Right-Liberal Party (PNL).

Despite its convincing survey, it seems unlikely that Simion will make the 50% of the votes required to win immediately on Sunday. Instead, he is seen how he will be returned to Antonescu or Dan on May 18 in the second round.

The President of Romania plays a semi-exetitive role with considerable powers on foreign policy, national security, defense spending and judicial appointments. They also represent the country on the international stage and can make important EU votes a veto.

When he is chosen, Simion is explained that he will make the records of meetings public that have led to the original elections can be canceled and also reveal how much we have contributed to the effort of war in Ukraine.

After placing fourth place in the November vote, he refused to take part in television election debates this week. The cancellation was a “coup d'état”, had Georgescu at the table and he remained “out of respect for the will of the people”.

The polling stations opened on Sunday at 7 a.m. and close at 9 p.m. The first exit surveys were expected soon afterwards. In the event of a close result, the end result could take many hours until 5% and 7% of the votes abroad.