Far-right leader George Simion was the clear winner of the first round of Romania’s presidential election vote, and will face a pro-EU centrist in the run-off on May 18.

Romania's presidential race has entered a pivotal phase after a stunning first-round result on Sunday, May 4, 2025. George Simion , leader of the far-right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR), has emerged on top,

George Simion has comfortably won the first round of Romania’s presidential election, setting up the 18 May run-off as a referendum on the country’s future: one aligned with Europe, or one leaning towards isolationism.