Elections
Romania’s Destiny Rides on Trump Follower Versus Math Prodigy
Nicusor Dan, left, and George Simion during an election debate in Bucharest on May 8.
Photographer: Alex Nicodim/NurPhoto/AP Photo
This article is for subscribers only.
Romania’s track record as a reliable supporter of the European project will be put to the test Sunday as an ultranationalist Donald Trump disciple contends for the presidency against a one-time math prodigy.
George Simion, leader of the far-right Alliance for the Union of Romanians, secured a commanding victory in a first-round ballot on May 4. But polls show he’s headed into a tight runoff against Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan, an independent who has pledged a more centrist course for the Black Sea nation.