The leader of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), George Simion, has become the sole right-wing candidate in the upcoming presidential elections in May. This decision followed the withdrawal of his political ally, Anamaria Gavrilă.
According to Reuters, Simion and Gavrilă, the leader of the Youth Party (POT), had previously agreed to run together but made a pact that one of them would step down if both were approved by electoral authorities. On Wednesday, Gavrilă announced her withdrawal from the race, stating, “We have decided to support the one with the greatest chances.” Commenting on this decision, Simion emphasized, “Today, more than ever, Romania needs the unity of its national forces.”
In December 2024, Romania’s Constitutional Court annulled the first round of the presidential elections, citing alleged evidence of Russian interference. The winner of that round, Călin Georgescu, was barred from participating in the repeat elections.
According to recent polls, Simion is expected to advance to the second round but trails behind independent candidate and Bucharest Mayor Nicușor Dan in popularity.
