Meloni 2.0
Simion has cited right-wing Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni as a political hero and called for the “Melonization” of Europe.
“Believe me, there will be a Simionization as well,” he told POLITICO last November, shortly before Romania’s annulled presidential election, in which he placed fourth.
In the months since that election result was scrapped — far-right shock winner Călin Georgescu was disqualified and a new vote ordered by the country’s constitutional court after the Romanian authorities alleged Russian interference propelled him to victory — Simion’s profile has soared.
Vigorously denouncing the cancelation of last year’s election, he has framed the do-over as a battle for “democracy, the people’s will, the rule of law and the constitutional order,” and vowed to appoint Georgescu to a top role if he is elected.
At a televised debate between presidential candidates last month, he showed up with a bouquet of flowers for Elena Lasconi, the center-left candidate who came second at last year’s annulled vote, before walking out in protest over the canceled election.
The theatrical stunt epitomizes the disruptive politics of Simion, who began his political career marching in the streets and spray-painting ultranationalist slogans on roads across the country.
Sunday’s election result is the culmination of his rise from fringe agitator to far-right chief — and potentially, should he make it to Cotroceni Palace, the presidential residence in Bucharest, the most powerful man in Romania.
Carmen Paun contributed to this report.
