George Simion Leads First Round of Romanian Presidential Rerun

George Simion, leader of the nationalist AUR party and a right-wing populist, has emerged as the frontrunner in the first round of Romania's presidential election rerun, securing approximately 30 to 33 percent of the vote according to exit polls. The election was held after last year's results were annulled due to allegations of interference and irregularities, particularly involving the previous frontrunner, Calin Georgescu, who was subsequently banned from running. Simion is expected to face either centrist Crin Antonescu or Bucharest Mayor Nicușor Dan in the runoff, as both received around 21 to 23 percent of the vote, but no candidate achieved a majority. The campaign has been marked by controversy, accusations of foreign and EU meddling, and heightened scrutiny from Brussels and Washington, given Simion's anti-establishment and pro-Trump stance. Simion has also taken positions against military aid to Ukraine and made contentious statements regarding Romania's foreign policy. The runoff election is scheduled for May 18, and official results are still pending.