Nationalist Gheorghe Simion and independent candidate Nikusor Dan are tied in the race for the presidency in Romania, a new poll published just days before the second round of the May 18 elections shows. The potential outcome could have profound consequences for both Romania and the European Union and NATO, summarizes "Reuters"
An AtlasIntel survey commissioned by the news site HotNews.ro shows that the two candidates receive 48.2% support each, with the outcome of the vote remaining completely unpredictable. The poll does not include voters from the diaspora, where almost 1 million Romanians cast their votes in the first round, and over 60% of them supported Simion.
Giorge Simion, 38, leader of the far-right nationalist AUR party, won the first round on May 4 with about 41%, which prompted the immediate resignation of Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu and the collapse of the pro-European ruling coalition. Serious capital outflows from the country also followed.
Simion is a Eurosceptic, an opponent of military aid to Ukraine, and defines himself as a supporter of Donald Trump's "Make America Great Again" movement. He said he would veto European military aid to Ukraine and that Europe should rely on NATO for its security, not Brussels.
For his part, Nicosor Dan, 55, the incumbent mayor of Bucharest, is running as an independent on an anti-corruption platform. He calls for continued support for Ukraine, deepening cooperation with the EU and maintaining the country's pro-Western orientation.
The presidency in Romania has semi-executive functions, including command of the armed forces and chairmanship of the National Security Council, which decides on military aid. The president also has the right to veto key EU decisions that require unanimity.
Analysts warn that a victory for Simion could lead to Romania's isolation within the EU, a decline in foreign investment and a weakening of NATO on its eastern flank. The country plays a key role in providing logistical and military support to Ukraine in the context of ongoing Russian aggression.
Romania could join the group of eurosceptic governments in the EU, including Hungary and Slovakia, if Simion wins. Another poll, conducted earlier by the Verifield Institute and commissioned by Dan's campaign, gave Simion a lead of 54.8% to 45.2% for his opponent.
The May 18 elections are shaping up to be a turning point for Romania's future foreign policy and European course.