The political crisis in Romania and the prospect of early parliamentary elections bring George Simion back into the spotlight, whom Politico describes as the „MAGA champion of Romania.”
In an interview with the publication, the AUR leader attacks Brussels, argues that early elections are the „only constitutional solution,” and states that the success of his party is due to the fact that „God is behind us.”
The interview took place in London during Simion's visit to the CPAC GB conservative conference. Politico notes that the AUR leader, whose party is significantly ahead in opinion polls, could soon have the chance to test his electoral support if Romania reaches early elections.
The publication describes the AUR leader as a former football stadium hooligan who built his political image through confrontations with traditional parties and suggests that if he comes to power, he could pose an even greater challenge to European politics than Viktor Orbán.
Politico also recalls that in the campaign for last year's presidential elections, Simion deliberately modeled his message after that of former US President Donald Trump and proposed stopping aid to Ukraine, causing concern among centrist leaders in Brussels.
Simion: Early Elections Are the "Only Constitutional Solution"
The AUR leader argues that Romania needs early parliamentary elections since parties have failed to form a new majority after the fall of the Bolojan Government.
"If the so-called pro-European elites do not have a solution, the only solution, the constitutional solution, is to hold early elections. We have never had early elections in the 35 years of so-called democracy," said Simion.
Politico notes that Romania has been in a political crisis since the fall of the Government, and negotiations to form a new majority have stalled before Parliament went on summer break. In these circumstances, the publication considers it unlikely that the situation will be resolved before autumn.
"Democracy Has Been Canceled"
In the interview, George Simion revisited the cancellation of the presidential elections in December 2024.
"I want to see democracy in Romania. Democracy has been canceled since December 2024. And, of course, we must return to it as soon as possible. Let the people vote! It is not wrong to trust the citizens. Citizens are always right," said the AUR leader.
Politico recalls that Simion ran in the presidential election reorganized after the annulment of the elections and promised to appoint Călin Georgescu as prime minister if he won. Although he finished first in the first round, he narrowly lost to Nicușor Dan.
The publication also notes that the annulment of the elections has strengthened Călin Georgescu's image as a symbol of opposition to the political system in the eyes of a part of the electorate. Currently, he is being tried in Bucharest in a case where he is accused of attempting a coup.
He Accuses Nicușor Dan of Causing the Political Crisis
Simion accuses President Nicușor Dan of being responsible for the current political crisis and cites information from the press that the head of state, together with the PSD, tried to remove Ilie Bolojan from the position of prime minister.
"He created chaos. He wanted to get rid of Bolojan, but their plan was not so successful," said the AUR leader.
Asked about Nicușor Dan, Simion also revisited the controversial statement he made in last year's presidential campaign when he called him "autistic." "I've known him since 2006 when we were both civic activists. He has a complicated mind," said the AUR leader.
Criticism Towards Brussels and Pro-NATO Message
In the interview, Simion criticized the European Green Deal, the economic and defense policies of the European Union, and stated that Romania does not want to return to a period when it was dominated by larger states.
"We have been occupied by such dictators, as we have in Russia and as we had in the Soviet Union, and by dictatorial tendencies coming from Germany. We want to be part of a Europe made up of free and sovereign nations," he said.
At the same time, the AUR leader rejected accusations that his party is anti-Western or pro-Moscow.
"Europe is in London, Warsaw, Budapest, Bucharest, not in Brussels. We want to go the path of a united Europe that creates prosperity, and NATO is the only solution for security and for keeping the world free," said Simion.
"Everyone Thinks We Are Helped by Russia. In Fact, God Is Behind Us"
According to the Poll of Polls, a poll aggregation conducted by Politico, AUR is rated at 36%, 14 percentage points ahead of PNL, which explains, the publication argues, why President Nicușor Dan and centrist parties continue to try to avoid early elections and find a governing formula.
At the same time, the publication points out that Nicușor Dan's position is complicated, after his first prime minister proposal withdrew before the Parliament vote, and the second one was rejected by the Legislature. Meanwhile, Simion has initiated the procedure to suspend the president.
In the conclusion of the interview, the AUR leader rejected the idea that his party's rise is due to support from external actors.
"We founded this party six years ago. Everyone thinks we are helped by the West, the East, Israel, or Russia, but in fact, God is behind us. And a very incompetent political elite," said George Simion.