Romanians delivered a resounding anti-establishment message in the first round of the country’s presidential election rerun, propelling hard-right leader George Simion and Bucharest’s independent centrist mayor Nicusor Dan to a high-stakes runoff to be held on May 18.

Romania’s 2025 presidential election has become a defining moment for its future in Europe, NATO, and the global economy. With the race tied, voters face a choice between pro-EU reform and rising nationalism.

With over 40% of the vote, George Simion, a supporter of Giorgia Meloni and the MAGA ideology, is well on his way to becoming the next president.