

According to current polling data, assessments of each contender’s viability, and taking into account their performance during recent electoral debates, three primary contenders have surfaced leading up to the upcoming presidential runoff set for May. These key figures include Crin Antonescu representing the governing alliance, George Simion from the extreme right-wing party AUR, and Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan who is campaigning independently yet anticipated to gain backing from centrist voters, encompassing segments of those traditionally aligned with the liberal PNL party and progressive USR faction.
Out of the three, two are expected to advance to the second round; however, it’s too early at present to predict the result of the initial vote.
Although Crin Antonescu appears to lag behind his competitors, he gains an advantage from the backing of the local networks affiliated with the two major established parties—the PSD and PNL. Even though various groups within both the Liberal Party and the Social Democrats seem unenthusiastic about Antonescu’s bid, this support still represents a considerable strength.
Unlike previous elections where the governing alliance was divided, this time around they have presented a unified front by fielding just one candidate—possibly not everyone's first choice among the coalition partners, yet potentially a stronger collective pick overall.
George Simion aims to benefit from the constituency of pro-Russian politician Calin Georgescu, who has shown electoral backing of more than 40% in recent surveys. Nevertheless, this could reduce his own prominence and potentially his vote count, with Georgescu’s supporter base perhaps being smaller and less engaged than anticipated. Despite these factors, many still view Simion as a contender for the runoff election.
The mayor of Bucharest, Nicusor Dan, who ran as an independent candidate targeting the center-right voters, entered the electoral contest right away following the cancellation of the previous ballot. Known for his accomplishments both administratively and politically, he became the unofficial head of the democratic opposition subsequent to the local and European elections held last year. Nevertheless, the reformist party USR, which was established with Nicusor Dan’s involvement, did not manage to support him effectively—a move that might have altered the trajectory of the presidential elections in November-December.
A pertinent contender is USR President Elena Lasconi, aiming to leverage the favorable outcome achieved in the invalidated vote held last November where she placed second following the isolationist candidate Calin Georgescu (who is barred from contesting again due to allegations of manipulating the election process).
The registration period for candidates concluded on March 15, with the clearance process conducted by the Constitutional Court coming to an end on March 19.
On March 19, Anamaria Gavrila — another candidate supported by Calin Georgescu, apart from AUR's George Simion — withdrew from the election after receiving clearance from the Constitutional Court.
iulian@romania-insider.com
(Photo source: Cateyeperspective/Dreamstime.com )
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