George Simion received more than 40% of the votes, while the second place with 21% of the votes was taken by the 55-year-old mayor of Bucharest, Nicusor Dan. They will meet in the second round of elections on May 18.
The 38-year-old Simion opposes military aid to neighboring Ukraine, is critical of the EU leadership, and states that he supports the movement of US President «Make America Great Again».
As Reuters writes, Simion's victory could lead to the country's isolation, undermine private investments, and destabilize NATO's eastern flank. It will also increase the number of Eurosceptics among EU leaders at a time when Europe is trying to formulate its response to Trump. «We — the Trump party that will govern Romania and will make Romania a strong partner in NATO and a strong ally of the United States», — Simion told foreign media shortly before the polling stations closed».
Sunday's vote took place five months after the first attempt to hold elections was canceled due to alleged Russian interference in favor of the far-right leader Calin Georgescu, who has since been banned from running again. Simion, who then received only 14%, rode the wave of far-right support led by Georgescu.
The President of Romania commands the armed forces and heads the Security Council, which makes decisions on military aid. He can also veto important votes in the EU and appoints the prime minister, chief judges, prosecutors, and heads of secret services.