UPD: The French Foreign Ministry denied accusations of interference in the Romanian elections and urged everyone to "show responsibility and respect for Romanian democracy." "As a partner and friend, we remind that France supported Romania in its accession to the European Union, its reforms, its entry into the Schengen area, and its progress. <...> To lie about France, to insult it — means to break this history," the Foreign Ministry stated.
Romania is holding the second round of presidential elections, in which the right-wing Eurosceptic faces an independent centrist, and the outcome could have consequences for both the struggling economy of the country and the unity of the EU.
38-year-old hard-right nationalist George Simion, who opposes military aid to neighboring Ukraine and criticizes the leadership of the European Union, confidently led in the first round of presidential elections, which led to the collapse of the pro-Western coalition government and caused a significant capital outflow, writes Reuters.
55-year-old mayor of Bucharest Nicușor Dan, who promised to end corruption, is a supporter of the EU and NATO. He stated that Romania's support for Ukraine is vital for its own security against the growing Russian threat.
Political analysts believe that Simion's victory, a supporter of US President Donald Trump, threatens the country's isolation abroad, undermining private investments and destabilizing NATO's eastern flank.
"Unlike Western countries, which can afford mistakes, trust in Romania can be lost much more easily, and it may take several generations to regain it," said Radu Burnete, director of the country's largest employers' union. "We cannot afford to drift."
A public opinion poll conducted on Friday showed that Dan slightly leads Simion for the first time since the first round in a tense race that will depend on turnout and the significant Romanian diaspora.
Telegram owner Pavel Durov stated on Sunday that a "Western European government" asked him to "silence conservative voices" before the Romanian presidential elections. The messenger's administration refused: "You cannot 'protect democracy' by destroying democracy. You cannot 'fight election interference' by interfering in elections. You either have freedom of speech and fair elections, or you don't," Durov wrote. He did not name the country that asked him for the "service," but posted a baguette emoji, hinting at France.
Voting in Romania takes place almost six months after the first elections were canceled due to alleged Russian interference in favor of the far-right candidate Călin Georgescu, who was banned from running again. Moscow denies its involvement.
Simion owes much of his success to public anger against this decision, as well as disappointment in the main parties, accused of high living costs, inequality, and corruption.
The country's president has significant powers, including leading the defense council, which makes decisions on military aid. He will also oversee foreign policy, having the right to veto EU decisions that require unanimity.
Whoever is elected will also have to appoint a prime minister to negotiate a majority in parliament to reduce Romania's budget deficit (the largest in the EU), as well as reassure investors and try to avoid a credit rating downgrade.
Photo: Reuters