The president of AUR, George Simion, boasts that he received an award in the United States from the organization Republicans for National Renewal, during a ceremony held at a private event space.
The distinction was awarded to him for „his activity in defending freedom of expression and democracy in Europe,” according to a statement released by AUR and cited by Agerpres.
According to the same source, the award was also granted in the context of the role played by the European Conservatives and Reformists Party (ECR), presented as "the most pro-transatlantic European party," as well as for George Simion's involvement, as vice-president of ECR, in combating censorship and "anti-democratic drifts."
In his speech at the ceremony at the Trump Kennedy Art Center, George Simion stated that the award is dedicated to "Romanians who have stood up in defense of their right to live in a democracy," referring to the annulment of elections and the need to defend freedom of expression. He also spoke in his capacity as vice-president of ECR, mentioning other European political leaders from this political family, including Giorgia Meloni and Mateusz Morawiecki.
"We look to the United States as an example of democracy. We stand up for freedom of expression and for free and fair elections," declared the leader of AUR.
Several Republican congressmen were also awarded at the event, including Andy Ogles and Anna Luna, according to AUR's statement.
Additionally, the AUR delegation in Washington states its intention to provide a report on the annulment of the presidential elections in Romania to some American congressmen and to have political meetings as part of efforts to inform Romania's strategic partners.
Who are the Republicans for National Renewal
Republicans for National Renewal is an unofficial American conservative organization, a political NGO, active in the nationalist-conservative area and close to the Trumpist environment. The organization is not part of the official structures of the Republican Party and does not represent the U.S. Congress, the American administration, or any federal institution.
According to newsfromthestates.com, it was founded by Mark Ivanyo, a lawyer from Houston, who is also the executive director. The president is Kerry Bentivolio, a former member of the House of Representatives who represented Michigan between 2013 and 2015.
The organization describes itself as a group of conservatives focusing on nationalist and populist policies, promoting traditional values, restrictive immigration policies, and the "America First" agenda, similar to the platforms promoted by President Donald Trump.
Some reports from the American press have indicated that individuals associated with RNR have had ties or connections to groups or individuals from far-right circles, including through managing communication channels where users self-identify as neo-Nazis or by participating in events with such associations.
The distinctions awarded by RNR are purely symbolic, given at partisan events, without official recognition from the United States or the Republican Party as a political entity.
In this context, the award George Simion boasts about is not an award from the U.S. or the Republican Party, but a recognition granted by a private organization, at an event held in a private event space, without institutional status.