Romanian nationalist candidate George Simion has accused French President Emmanuel Macron of interfering in Romania’s presidential election rerun, calling for foreign powers to respect his country’s sovereignty. Speaking in Paris on Friday, Simion, who leads the far-right AUR party, claimed that France and the European Union were complicit in what he labelled a “coup d’état” following last year’s shock annulment of election results. Flanked by French far-right MEP Marion Maréchal, Simion told reporters, “It is not your job to interfere with the free sovereign will of the Romanian people.”
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The Romanian Constitutional Court annulled the original vote after far-right candidate Calin Georgescu unexpectedly led the first round. The rare decision, highly unusual within the European Union, followed allegations of Russian influence and social media manipulation. Georgescu has since been barred from running again. Simion, now facing pro-European Union Bucharest mayor Nicușor Dan in Sunday’s closely watched runoff, has pointed to what he sees as undue influence from Western capitals, particularly Paris and Brussels.
France’s minister for Europe, Benjamin Haddad, rejected Simion’s claims, expressing on social media that he “deeply” regretted the Romanian politician’s “offensive remarks” and rejection of factual information. Despite criticism, Simion—who secured around 41 per cent in the first round—remains confident, stating, “On Sunday I will be the next president of Romania,” during a livestreamed press conference. He also insisted that a fair election would secure his victory, while accusing Macron of “dictatorial tendencies” and likening French political conduct to that of Iran.
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A vocal admirer of former US President Donald Trump, Simion said, “The MAGA wave is the only thing that will save Europe.” Despite calling for reduced military support for Ukraine, he rejected allegations of pro-Russian sentiment, insisting that his country had suffered under Moscow’s influence in the past. As far-right movements gain traction across Europe, the outcome of Romania’s election will be closely monitored by the EU, the United States, and Russia alike.
