Simion vs. Dan: Romania’s First Televised Presidential Debate

Romania’s presidential race reached a decisive moment with the first televised debate between George Simion, leader of the Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR), and Nicușor Dan, the independent candidate and current mayor of Bucharest.

Hosted by Euronews Romania, the debate drew national and international attention. It highlighted the sharp ideological divide between the two contenders as the country approaches a pivotal runoff.

Debate Format and Atmosphere

The debate unfolded over three hours in the Aula Magna of the Polytechnic University of Romania, with moderators Andra Diaconescu and Monica Mihai steering the conversation through Romania’s most pressing issues: foreign policy, national security, the economy, and the candidates’ visions for the country’s future.

The event was marked by a rare atmosphere of confrontation, fact-checking, and a demand for clarity from both candidates.

Key Themes and Exchanges

Ukraine and Foreign Policy

The most heated exchanges centred on Romania’s stance toward the war in Ukraine and its relationship with the European Union:

• George Simion adopted a nationalist, isolationist tone, insisting that EU funds should not go to Ukraine or anyone other than European citizens, specifically Romanians and their children. He criticised the presence of non-European workers in Romania and pledged to prioritise the interests of Romanians abroad, who he said number over six million. Simion refused to commit to supporting EU aid packages for Ukraine, stating that his country is Romania and that he would vote only in the interests of the Romanian nation without prioritising other states. He called for neutrality in the conflict, opposed sending weapons, and aligned his foreign policy with the Trump administration in the US. Simion also demanded that Ukraine respect the rights of ethnic Romanians and sought compensation for Romania’s contributions to the war effort.
• Nicușor Dan countered with a pro-European, pro-Western message, emphasising that Romania’s and Moldova’s security depend on a just resolution to the war in Ukraine. He labelled Russia the aggressor and insisted on the need for a peace that ensures regional stability. Dan challenged Simion on whether he would block EU support for Ukraine, to which Simion reaffirmed his nationalist stance. Dan argued for Romania’s participation in the EU’s rearmament program, provided that some funds are directed to Romania’s economic development.

Both candidates condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with Simion stating that Vladimir Putin must be arrested for war crimes, but their approaches to Romania’s role in the conflict diverged sharply.

Economic and Social Policy

• Simion painted a picture of a country threatened by foreign influence and demographic decline, warning against what he described as “third-world citizens” coming to Romania while Romanians left to work abroad. He called for a “Europe of nations” and admired Hungary’s Viktor Orban, signalling a push for national sovereignty and traditional values.
• Dan positioned himself as a defender of an open, investment-friendly economy, warning against the dangers of isolationism and nationalisation. He promised stability, dialogue, and policies to keep Romania integrated with the West and attractive to foreign investors.

Performance and Public Perception

• Simion was combative and uncompromising, appealing to nationalist sentiment and scepticism toward the EU and foreign entanglements. His rhetoric was direct, sometimes incendiary, and aimed at mobilising voters who feel left behind by globalisation and European integration.
• Dan maintained a calm, technocratic demeanour, focusing on stability, international cooperation, and economic modernisation. He challenged Simion’s positions directly, seeking to expose the risks of isolationism and to reassure voters of his commitment to Romania’s Western alliances.

The first televised debate crystallised Romanian voters’ existential choice: a turn toward nationalist retrenchment and scepticism of the EU under Simion, or a continuation of pro-European, reformist policies under Dan.

The candidates’ performances reflected personal styles and fundamentally different visions for Romania’s place in Europe and the world. With the runoff looming, the debate has set the stage for a high-stakes decision that will reverberate beyond Romania’s borders.