Markets are already punishing Romania for the disastrous embrace of pro-Russian populism—and George Simion hasn’t even won the presidency yet. In the space of just a few days, the mere prospect of elevating a far-right, pro-Kremlin ex-football hooligan to the nation’s highest office has plunged markets into turmoil, triggered capital flight, and sent a clear signal […]

On May 4, 2025, Romania’s presidential election delivered a stunning result: George Simion, leader of the far-right Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), secured 40.4% of the vote in the first round, leading the pack with partial results from 91% of ballots counted. Trailing him is Bucharest mayor Nicușor Dan, an independent reformist, with