Luiza Ilie
Bucharest Reuters) – Romans voted in Sunday's presidential election, which has led to strong right-wing treatment of centrist independence by Eurosceptics, with the consequences likely to have an impact on the country's struggling economy and EU solidarity.
George Simion, a 38-year-old hard nationalist, opposed military aid to neighboring Ukraine and criticized EU leadership, decisively swept the first presidential election, triggering the collapse of the pro-Western coalition government. This has led to a large outflow of capital.
Nicusor Dan, 55, a centrist mayor of Bucharest, who promised to cut corruption, firmly supported the EU and NATO and said Romania's support for Ukraine is crucial to opposing the security of the growing Russian threat.
The presidents of EU and NATO countries have considerable power, especially the National Defense Commission responsible for deciding military aid. He will also monitor foreign policy and have the power to veto the EU vote that requires consistency.
The elected also need to nominate the Prime Minister to negotiate a new majority in parliament to reduce Romania's budget deficit – the EU's largest budget deficit – as well as assured investors and try to avoid credit rating downgrades.
Dan has taken a slight lead for the first time since the first round of a tense match, which will depend on turnout and a considerable Romanian diaspora, a poll on Friday showed.
“Unlike the West is more likely to cause mistakes, trust in Romania can be more likely to be lost and can … take generations to get feedback.”
“We can’t afford to drift.”
Voting starts at 7 a.m. GMT and ends at 9 p.m. (1800 GMT), and exit polls will be held immediately.
misinformation
Political analysts say the victory of Simion, a supporter of U.S. President Donald Trump, could risk being isolated abroad, eroding private investment and undermining stability in the eastern side of NATO.
The vote was held the same day as Poland's first presidential election and is expected to be led by EU mayor Rafal Trzaskowski and conservative historian Karol Nawrocki.
The victory of Simion and/or Trzaskowski will expand a group of European-doubted leaders who already include the prime ministers of Hungary and Slovakia, while a political shift in Central Europe could widen the EU’s rift.
“What[nationalists]want is a European Union with as few as possible,” said political analyst and historian Ion M. Ion M. Ionita.
“From a legislative perspective, this is hardly united, from this legislative perspective, only decisions are taken nationwide but still benefit from European money.”
Romania's vote came nearly six months after the initial vote was cancelled, due to the alleged Russian intervention – denied by Moscow – in favor of far-right leader Calin Georgescu, who was subsequently banned from standing again.
The Trump administration criticized the cancellation, and Simien's success was attributed to widespread anger at the decision, as well as frustration with mainstream parties, accusing high cost of living and corruption.
Simion said his prime minister's draft pick would be Georgescu, who favors nationalization and openness to Russia.
Some analysts warn that online disinformation is once again prevalent before Sunday’s vote.
“We see false information spreading like wildfire on social media platforms, mimicking authentic releases through robotics and strategic emphasis,” said Roxana Radu, an expert at the Blavatnik School of Government at Oxford.
(Report from Mark Potter's Luiza Ilieediting)
