Romanian Elections: What Presidential Runoff Candidates Say About Ukraine?
Romania is heading into a decisive second round of its presidential election on May 18, with two starkly different candidates advancing to the runoff: George Simion, the leader of the far-right Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), and Nicușor Dan, the pro-European mayor of Bucharest.
The Gaze reports on this with reference to Romanian media Digi24.ro.
According to near-final results released early on May 5, Simion emerged as the frontrunner in the first round with 40.94% of the vote. Dan came in second with 20.99%, narrowly edging out Crin Antonescu, the candidate from the ruling coalition, who secured 20.13%.
The starkest divide between the two contenders is their position on Ukraine, a topic of growing importance in Romania’s foreign and security policy.
Independent candidate and current mayor of Bucharest, Nicușor Dan, has positioned himself as a firm supporter of Ukraine and its defense against Russian aggression. In his presidential campaign, Dan has emphasized that the Russian-Ukrainian war is not only a humanitarian crisis but a direct security concern for Romania and neighboring Moldova.
Speaking to “Reuters”, Dan stated that Romania must maintain and even expand its military assistance to Ukraine, proposing to increase national defense spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2030. He also supports ongoing cooperation in facilitating Ukrainian grain exports through Romanian infrastructure, while calling for close consultations with domestic farmers to avoid economic disadvantages.
His stance aligns with Romania’s current Euro-Atlantic course and portrays Ukraine as a strategic partner whose security is directly tied to that of the wider region.
George Simion, the far-right leader of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), holds views that sharply diverge from Romania’s current foreign policy consensus. His party has consistently opposed military aid to Ukraine and has campaigned against the transit of Ukrainian agricultural products through Romanian territory at times even organizing protests at the border.
Simion has also attracted controversy for comments and party positions suggesting territorial claims on parts of Ukraine historically linked to Romania. In 2024, Ukraine officially banned him from entering its territory, citing his ongoing “anti-Ukrainian activity.” Allegations have also surfaced of Simion having contact with Russian intelligence agents during a 2011 visit to western Ukraine.
With Simion now one step away from the presidency, concerns are growing in Kyiv and among Romania’s Western partners. While Dan represents continuity in Romania’s Euro-Atlantic alignment and support for Ukraine, Simion’s potential victory could mark a sharp turn away from Bucharest’s current foreign policy consensus.
Read more: Why it Is More Profitable for the West to Have Ukraine as Part of NATO?