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Abhiruchi Chowdhury
25 May 2025 |
The following note was first published as a part of The World This Week #312 Vol 7, No 21, 25 May 2025
Presidential elections in Romania:
Pro-EU narrative to prevail
Abhiruchi Chowdhury
What happened?
On 18 May, pro-EU and liberal candidate, Nicusor Dan clinched victory in the final round of the Presidential elections, receiving 54 per cent of the total votes. George Simion finished second, receiving 46 per cent of the vote. The voting turnout for the final round remained at 65 per cent. EU President Ursula von der Leyen saw the results as positive and something which would help in moving “towards a strong Europe.”
On 22 May, the constitutional court of Romania upheld election results. George Simion had challenged the election results, alleging interference from France and Moldova; however, the court had dismissed his plea. On this Simion commented on his social media “the court has continued its coup d’etat.”
On the same day, at the “Black Sea and Balkan security Forum,” Dan pledged support to Ukraine against Russia. He said “aid to Ukraine will continue, of course, we all want to reach peace, or at least an armistice as quickly as possible.”
What is the background?
First, a brief note on recent elections and the powers of President. In the first round of Presidential elections, George Simion received 40.96 per cent of the votes. Dan had received just 21 per cent of the total votes in the first round. The latest elections took place as a result of constitutional court declaring the Presidential elections held in November 2024 as invalid. There were reports suggesting that Russia had meddled in the elections through its “cyber activities.” In Romania, President is seen as an intermediary between the subsidiaries of power and society. The tenure of the President is for five years in total and cannot serve more than two terms. It is mandated that the elected President maintains neutrality and maintain a firm control over the security policies of Romania. The President also has the power to veto against any decision taken by the government over security.
Second, a brief note on the Presidential candidates. Nicusor Dan had actively advocated against corruption in Romania for a substantial period of time. His election campaign focused on fighting against corruption, maintaining close ties with the EU and NATO countries, and continuing support to Ukraine. Geroge Simion is seen as leaning towards extreme right. He is the head of the nationalist alliance that advocates for re-establishing Romania’s former borders. He firmly stands against giving Ukraine any further military assistance and had maintained an anti-EU stance. Simion was extremely popular among Romanians who reside outside the country especially in Italy, Spain and Germany. Simion had garnered support from those Romanians who had earlier voted for Georgescu in the nullified elections.
Third, current political issues in Romania. Similar to the other countries in Europe, the Romanian society is divided in providing financial assistance to Ukraine. People are also divided on whether Romania should maintain close ties with Russia or continue to be pro-EU. The surge in food prices and inflation in the economy is another key issue that has been a concern for the Romanian voters. Romania is also engulfed with prevalent graft practices. The Romanian population has little faith over the public institutions and the people in politics.
What does it mean?
First, Romania would continue to back Ukraine against Russia. Also, an EU friendly President for Romania means that the country would try to further try to strengthen its ties with EU and NATO countries.
Second, the threat of an anti-EU and pro-Russia alliance within the European Union has subsided. Analysts had feared that Romania would join countries like Hungary and Slovakia which have pro-Russian and Eurosceptic leaders.
About the author
Abhiruchi Chowdhury is a Research Assistant at NIAS.
