Simion wins the first round of Romania’s presidential elections

According to Romanias election authority, George Simion, a far-right candidate, secured about 41% of votes, while independent Nicusor Dan won 21% of votes. These two candidates will meet on Sunday, May 18 in the runoff. Simion badges himself as a supporter of U.S. President Donald Trumps Make America Great Again movement. He should be considered the favorite in the second round. His victory in the first round of presidential elections comes after Romania annulled them in December 2024 over allegations of illegal campaigning and potential Russian interference when far-right candidate Georgescu won the first round. Further, centrist Bucharest Mayor Dan came ahead of Antonescu, who was a candidate of Romanias governing coalition. We see market implications as generally negative for RON as well as ROMGBs and ROMANI. On May 18, the first round of presidential election in Poland will also take place. Currently, Trzaskowski (current ruling coalition candidate) and Nawrocki, backed by opposition (who met with Donald Trump most recently) are most likely to make it to the runoff.