The Romanians will go to the polls on Sunday, May 4 to elect their next president in the first round of a “Do-over” election, the second survey of this type within six months.
The Eastern European country had previously organized a presidential election on November 24, 2024, from which the far -right candidate Calin Georgescu, who was part of a figure during the campaign, became surprisingly victorious.
This result was canceled after reports emerged from the alleged interference from the Russian elections in favor of Georgescu, throwing the country into a political crisis.
The Romanian election authority prohibited the independent pro-moscow in March. It is now subject to criminal surveys.
Here is everything you need to know about the recovery vote and who are the best contenders:
Where and when will the polls open in Romania?
The polls will open at 7 a.m. (04:00 GMT) on Sunday, May 4 and will close at 9 p.m. (6 p.m. GMT).
Voters can vote in one of the 18,979 polling stations across the country. 965 additional stations will be installed in countries with large communities of diaspora, notably Malta, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Moldova and the United States.
How do the presidential elections work in Romania work?
The president is elected for a five -year term in a two -round voting system. A president can serve up to two terms.
A candidate must obtain more than 50% of all the votes recorded to be declared winner in the first round.
If no candidate reaches the 50% threshold on May 4, a runoff will take place on May 18 between the two best finisters. The candidate with the most votes will be declared victorious.
What are the main problems that stimulate this election?
Wages and inflation
The increase in the cost of food and other bases in the country is probably the most important factor in the way people choose to vote.
The country’s economy has been regularly decreasing for decades, forcing many young people to look for work abroad. Almost a third of the population faces poverty.
Corruption
There is deeply rooted anger at the way in which the parties of the establishment have led the country since the fall of the communist government in 1989.
Romania stimulates among the last four European countries in terms of corruption, according to Transparency International. Voters generally have little confidence in public institutions and politicians.
Ideological fracture
Romania, like several other European nations, faces growing questions from sections of its population on its support for Ukraine in the war against Russia. More right -wing voters are against additional support for Kyiv.
Overall, voters are divided between wanting a government more distant from the West and closer to Russia, and a pro-European government and NATO.
This fracture is reflected in the composition of the Parliament of Romania.
After the legislative elections of December 1 of last year, the pro-Europe parties of Romania met to form a majority government in order to close the far-right nationalists.
The National Coalition in power for Romania was formed when the Social Democratic Party Pro-Europe (PSD), which exceeded the polls in the December elections but failed to reach a majority, concluded an agreement with the National Liberal Party of the Center-Direct (PNL), the Reformist Party of the Union Romania (USR) and the Petit Hungarian Ethnique UDMR Party.
Overall, the coalition contains 58 of the 134 seats in the Senate, the upper bedroom and 135 seats out of 331 in the lower chamber of the deputies.
On the anti-EU side, the most popular party is the extreme right alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), led by the presidential candidate George Simion. It holds 28 seats in the Senate and 61 in the Chamber of Deputies.
SOS Romania, also a far -right party, has 12 other seats in the Senate and 28 seats in the Chamber of Deputies. The far -right group of young people (pot) has 24 lower seats and seven upper seats. Overall, these Euros -skeptics parties hold 113 seats in the Chamber of Deputies – not far behind the power coalition 135.
Given this fracture, the EU will have its eyes on this presidential election.
What are the main contenders?
George Simion, 38
The right -wing and Eurosceptic politician is the head of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) and currently directs the polls with the support of 30% of voters on April 26, according to the Politico survey (an average of all surveys).
Simion, who is perceived as pro -Moscow – like Georgescu who is a former member of Aur – and supported by nationalist camps, criticized the decision to cancel the controversial elections of November.
It is opposed to homosexual marriage and is an Eurosceptic. He also spoke out against sending Ukraine aid.
He pleaded for having taken over the territory of Ukraine and Moldova which formerly belonged to Romania. In May 2015, Simion was declared “persona non grata” by Moldova and prevented from entering the country for five years on the grounds that he “endangered national security”. This ban was renewed for an additional five years in February 2024.
Simion was criticized in 2019 for supporting the election in the parliament of two former military officers accused of reprimanding revolutionaries in the overthrow of the communist country in 1989 of the country.
Crin antonescu, 65
The independent candidate and a long-standing politician has been supported by the most centrist governing the Social Democratic Party and the National Liberal Party Alliance (PSD-PNL).
According to the Politico survey on polls, Antonescu, who was an acting president and head of the Senate, was surveyed at 24% on April 26.
He supports members of Romania in the EU and NATO. It is also in favor of sending more help to Ukraine.
Antonescu underlined his political experience in his campaigns.
Nicusor Dan, 55
The activist and mathematician is the mayor of Bucharest, a position he has held since 2011. He presents himself as an independent candidate on an anti-corruption and Songation ticket to 22%, according to Politico.
For more than a decade before becoming mayor, Dan campaigned against the demolition of heritage buildings in the capital and against the conversion of public parks into construction sites.
It is favored by the liberal camps which support the closer links with the EU and want to prevent the rise of right -wing candidates like Simion, but which do not favor the centrist power coalition.
Dan was re -elected mayor last June, and his announcement to present himself following the presidential elections canceled in November was a surprise.
Its campaign promises are to reform institutions, get rid of corruption and ineffectiveness and increase defense expenses. He also promises to unite Romanians through ideological lines.
Victor Ponta, 52
Prime Minister until 2014 under the Social Democratic Party (PSD) in power, Ponta also presents himself as an independent candidate during this election, questioning 10% at the end of April, according to Politico.
His passage in the first job was spoiled by allegations of tax evasion and money laundering which ultimately forced him to resign. In 2018, a court acquitted him accusations, marking his return to politics.
Ponta is currently a legislator of the Chamber of Deputies.
He highlighted the nationalist and protectionist themes of his campaign: he is against the purchase of Ukrainian cereals and wishes to protect the interests of Romanian farmers.
Elena Lasconi, 53
Lasconi is a journalist and mayor of Campulung in the South Center of Romania. It is popular with liberal voters.
She presents herself as the leader of the political party, except Romania Union (USR) and is 7% addressed in the Politico survey.
Lasconi ranked second in the November elections and should face Georgescu during the runoff vote before being canceled.
As mayor, it is favorable to the support of the EU, which, according to its office, has enabled Campulung to build parks and other critical infrastructure.
What powers does the Romanian President have?
The president of Romania is head of state and may issue official decrees.
Under the Constitution, the president has the power to appoint the Prime Minister, who must then be approved by the Parliament.
The president does not have the power to reject the Prime Minister once in place, although he can appoint an acting Prime Minister if the current fact becomes invalid. The Prime Minister and his cabinet have ultimate control when it comes to directing the country.
Although the president is bound by the Constitution to maintain a neutral position, if Simion wins the presidency, this would ideologically place him in contradiction with the coalition government.
