Nationalist George Simion and the independent candidate Nikushor Dan are leveled in the race for presidential post in Romania, according to a new sociological survey published just days before the second round of May 18 elections. The potential outcome may have deep consequences for both Romania and the European Union and NATO, summarizes Reuters
A study by Atlasintel, commissioned by the Hotnews.ro news site, shows that the two candidates receive 48.2% support, with the outcome of the vote remains completely unpredictable. The poll does not include the voters of the diaspora, where almost 1 million Romanians in the first round have given their vote and over 60% of them supported Simion.
38-year-old George Simion, the leader of the far-right nationalist formation Aur, won the first round on May 4 by about 41%, which sparked the immediate resignation of Prime Minister Marcel Cholaku and the collapse of the pro-European ruling coalition. Serious capital out of the country followed.
Simion is a Eurosceptic, an opponent of military aid for Ukraine, and is defined as a supporter of the Make American Great Again movement by Donald Trump. He said he would veto European military assistance to Ukraine and that Europe should rely on NATO for its security, not Brussels.
For his part, 55-year-old Nikushor Dan, acting mayor of Bucharest, is running as independent with a platform against corruption. He calls for continuation of support for Ukraine, deepening the EU cooperation and maintaining the country’s pro -Western orientation.
The presidential post in Romania has semi -performing functions, including a command of the Armed Forces and the Presidency of the National Security Council, which makes decisions on military aid. The president is also entitled to veto to key EU solutions that require unanimity.
Analysts warn that a possible victory of Simion could lead to Romania’s isolation within the EU, a decline in foreign investment and a weakening of NATO on the Eastern Flank. The country plays a key role in logistics and military support for Ukraine in the context of continuing Russian aggression.
Romania may join the EU Eurosceptic Group, including Hungary and Slovakia, if Simion wins. Another survey, earlier by the Verifield Institute and ordered by the Dan’s headquarters, gives Simion’s lead by 54.8% against 45.2% for his opponent.
The May 18 elections are emerging as a turning point for the future foreign policy and the European course of Romania.
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