George Simion, a prominent figure in Romania’s far-right movement, has captured significant attention from Romanians living abroad, propelling him to a strong lead in the recent presidential election. With approximately 40 percent of the overall vote, Simion secured his position in the upcoming runoff, but his support among the diaspora was even more pronounced, garnering over 60 percent of their votes. This statistic starkly contrasts with Nicușor Dan, the centrist Mayor of Bucharest, who managed only 25 percent of the expat vote.
The political landscape for Romanians abroad
A combination of ultranationalist rhetoric, anti-establishment messaging, and a vigorous TikTok campaign has contributed to Simion’s success among Romanians living in countries like Italy, Spain, and Germany, where he received over 70 percent of the votes cast by expatriates. Many Romanians abroad are engaged in low-wage, blue-collar jobs, which has made them receptive to Simion’s populist approach that blames the stagnant political environment for their struggles.
“I don’t know if those in the diaspora understand that through their vote they can destroy this country,”
warned noted economist Cristian Păun in a recent statement. The appeal of Simion’s message resonates particularly with those who left Romania seeking better socioeconomic opportunities, as many of them see him as a potential savior from their challenging situations.
Social media’s pivotal role in Simion’s rise
Despite Romania’s economic growth since the fall of communist rule, issues like corruption and low living standards persist, influencing the electorate’s sentiments. Simion’s strategy, which includes a promise to unify Romania and Moldova and a rejection of military aid to Ukraine, has struck a chord with voters disillusioned by traditional political parties.
Political analyst Oana-Valentina Suciu noted that Simion has distinguished himself by visiting impoverished regions in Romania and connecting with communities abroad. While critics argue that his proposed solutions lack feasibility, they nonetheless appear to resonate with a populace seeking change.
As the election approaches, the landscape has been shaped by the impact of social media, particularly TikTok, which Simion has skillfully utilized to connect with voters. His content has accumulated over 30 million likes, positioning him as a significant player in the digital arena. A Romanian expat in Belgium remarked on the effectiveness of TikTok in Simion’s campaign, stating, “He is a TikTok product and launched his whole movement on the back of Covid disinformation, among other things.”
Ultimately, the upcoming runoff between Simion and Dan marks a historic moment, as it is the first time a candidate from the major mainstream parties has not made it to the final round. As Romania’s electorate faces a choice between Simion’s ultranationalist stance and a pro-Western alternative, the results could have profound implications for the nation’s political future.