Romanians vote on Sunday in a presidential election run-off that pits a hard-right eurosceptic against a centrist independent, and where the outcome could have implications for both the country’s economy and EU unity.
Hard-right nationalist George Simion, 38, who opposes military aid to neighbouring Ukraine and is critical of European Union leadership, decisively led the first presidential election round, causing the collapse of a pro-Western coalition government. That triggered significant capital outflows.
Centrist Bucharest mayor Nicusor Dan, 55, who has pledged to clamp down on corruption, is staunchly pro-EU and pro-NATO, and has said Romania’s support for Ukraine is vital for its own security against a growing Russian threat.
The president of the EU and NATO state has considerable powers, including being in charge of the defence council that decides on military aid. He will also have oversight of foreign policy, with the power to veto EU votes that require unanimity.
Whoever is elected will also need to nominate a prime minister to negotiate a majority in parliament to reduce Romania’s budget deficit – the largest in the EU – as well as to reassure investors and try to avoid a credit rating downgrade.
An opinion poll on Friday showed Dan slightly ahead of Simion for the first time since the first round in a tight race that will depend on turnout and the sizable Romanian diaspora.
About 2.06 million Romanians, or 11.5% of registered voters, had cast ballots by 0634 GMT, data showed, including abroad. Voting ends at 9 p.m. (1800 GMT) with exit polls to follow immediately and preliminary results expected later in the evening. The president is limited to two five-year terms.
Also on Sunday, Poles vote in the first round of Poland’s presidential election, which is expected to be led by pro-EU Warsaw mayor Rafal Trzaskowski and conservative historian Karol Nawrocki.
