On the eve of Romania’s presidential runoff election, thousands of demonstrators filled the streets of Bucharest on Friday, urging the country to remain aligned with its European trajectory as the far-right candidate, George Simion, emerges as the frontrunner.
“We cannot go back to Russia after all these years. We are the generation that built this country after the fall of communism in 1989 and led it toward Europe,” said Joana Nicolae, a 50-year-old writer and wife of renowned novelist Mircea Cărtărescu, speaking to AFP.
Simion, leader of the nationalist AUR party, won nearly 41% in the first round of elections. Known for his anti-Brussels rhetoric, opposition to aid for Ukraine, and calls for compensation from Western allies for past support, Simion has sparked deep concern among Romania’s pro-European citizens.
“We cannot vote for Simion. Europe is our home,” added Nicolae, calling for mass mobilization ahead of the decisive vote.
Organizers estimate that nearly 20,000 people attended the protest, waving both Romanian and European Union flags.
George Matei, a 23-year-old student, expressed anxiety about the country’s direction:
“I’ve never imagined living anywhere else, but this week I’ve been thinking about it a lot.”
Simion, 38, a vocal admirer of former U.S. President Donald Trump, faces centrist Bucharest mayor Nicușor Dan in the final round. While Simion has a 20-point lead from the first round, Dan is hopeful that voter turnout from previously absent moderates can swing the outcome and preserve Romania’s European future.
“There are five million isolationist voters whom I respect, but they’ve been misled,” said the 55-year-old mayor. “There must be more of us.”
