On Sunday, Romania faced a political breakthrough that could set a fresh direction not only for the country but besides for the full region of Central and east Europe. In the first circular of repeated presidential elections, George Simion, leader of the AUR organization (Soyusz for the Romanian Unification), won 41% of the vote. This is simply a consequence that amazed many commentators, but besides showed how strong and authentic the request for a change in Romanian society is.
George Simion is an different figure – a politician with the spirit of an activist, a man with charisma and a direct kind of communication who for years was the voice of those who felt overlooked by the Romanian elite. Before joining parliament, he was known as an activist for the unification of Romania and Moldova and an opponent of corrupt power agreements. For any it is simply a populist, for others – a refreshing alternate to a barren center.
His run was simple and clear: Romania is to belong to the Romanians. He emphasized national sovereignty, protection of conventional values and opposition to external interference – both political and cultural. At the same time, he did not call for an exit from the European Union, but demanded equal treatment and respect for decisions of national governments.
The first circular of presidential elections was like a referendum – not only over Romania's direction, but besides over the credibility of the erstwhile political class. The current Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, representing the Social Democratic organization (PSD), paid the political price for years of compromises, unpopular reforms and allegations of deals with large business.
The day after the results were announced, Ciolac resigned. His decision was honorable, but besides forced by the defeat of the candidate of the ruling coalition, Crina Antonescu, who did not go to the second round. With his resignation, the full ruling coalition fell apart. At present, ministers are only temporary, waiting for the results of the second circular scheduled for 18 May.
This shows how serious the election was – Simion not only won, but knocked over the table.
George Simion's triumph is not an accident, but a consequence of the increasing fatigue of society with a “always the same” policy. Many Romanians are sick of stagnation, unfulfilled promises, deficiency of infrastructure, emigration of young people and the feeling that decisions about their lives are made in Brussels alternatively than Bucharest.
Simion spoke a simple language, close to average people. He didn't beat around the bush, he didn't pretend to be an intellectual, he didn't work on smooth phrases. He talked about inexpensive gas, about worthy salaries, about the fight against corruption, but besides about national pride – something that has been marginalized for decades in the name of "Europeanism".
Is that Trump style? possibly – but that doesn't mean it's wrong. In the planet of political correctness and separation of elites from reality, his uncompromising speech went to people who want action alternatively than declaration.
Critics of the Simion beat the alarm: pro-Russianity, Euroscepticism, fascism of thrust. But the fact is more complex. Simion himself has repeatedly declared that he does not intend to decision the country out of NATO or the European Union. Rather, it aims to improvement these structures from the inside – to regain the subjectivity and respect for local values.
The media publicity of the candidacy of Calin Georgescu as a possible prime minister – a man with controversial statements and the past – should besides be treated with caution. Simion himself admitted that no individual decision had yet been taken and that parliamentary support would be the most important.
It is worth noting that many Simion voters are young people – educated, tired of emigration, wishing to stay in the country. These are not frustrates, nor radicals, but those who have had adequate of "good quality."
On May 18, Romania will decide who will be its president. George Simion will face Nicușor Dan – an independent candidate and mayor of Bucharest, known for his pragmatism, but besides lacking this energy and authenticity that attracts people to AUR leader.
Dan scored 21% in the first circular – this is simply a good result, but without a clear wave of enthusiasm. Key will be the voices of the centre and left electorate, as well as the mobilisation of voters abroad who are traditionally more pro-European. At the same time, Romanian diaspora, especially in Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom, is increasingly talking about Simion with sympathy – seeing him as individual who at least does not pretend.
These choices are not only about personalities, but about the imagination of the state. Will Romania choose further integration and position quo, or alternatively a fresh course, more national, sovereign and ambitious?
The election consequence in Romania is closely watched by Brussels, Berlin and Paris. The possible triumph of Simion could be another challenge for the centralised model of the European Union. Romania is not a periphery – it is simply a country with 20 million citizens, an crucial energy and military player in the east wing of NATO.
Will Simion be a liable leader who can combine national ambitions with geopolitical reality? Time will tell. But 1 thing is certain – you can no longer pretend that Romanians are satisfied with the current direction. Simion is not a miracle worker. His term, if he wins, will be full of challenges. Without a parliamentary majority, it will be hard to carry out deep reforms. Media and financial elites will be against him. The European Union may effort to isolate it.
But Simion has something you can't buy or fabricate: people's trust. If he uses it wisely, he can become not only the president of Romania but an inspiration for the full region.
