Romanians Vote in Tight Hard-Right Versus Centrist Runoff

Romania is holding a crucial presidential election run-off between hard-right nationalist George Simion and centrist pro-EU candidate Nicușor Dan, with the outcome expected to impact the country's economy and its relationship with the European Union. The previous election was annulled due to alleged irregularities and accusations of Russian interference, which boosted support for Simion, a eurosceptic who opposes military aid to Ukraine and EU migration policies. Simion's first-round victory destabilized the pro-Western coalition government, causing capital outflows and raising concerns about Romania's budget deficit and investor confidence. Nicușor Dan, the mayor of Bucharest, supports EU and NATO alignment and vows to combat corruption, emphasizing Romania's security amid Russia's war on Ukraine. The winner will hold significant powers over defense and foreign policy, including veto rights in the EU and responsibility for nominating a prime minister to form a parliamentary majority. These elections reflect broader regional tensions involving populist movements amid economic and geopolitical challenges faced by the EU.