George Simion, the AUR candidate in the Romanian presidential elections, had an unjustifiable slip-up in front of the press in Brussels on Thursday when asked about his meeting schedule.
Prompted politely by a reporter to detail his agenda in the EU capital, Simion refused and resorted to a direct insult towards his opponent, Nicușor Dan: „You have a candidate you support, he’s autistic, poor thing.”
The moment, broadcast by ProTV News, shows a tense discussion between the politician and journalist Camelia Donțu, with no provocation from her side.
Despite the calm tone of the reporter, Simion accused the press of "harassment" and tried to avoid giving a clear answer regarding his visit to the European capital.
Here is the dialogue:
And a message for those in Romania?
George Simion: Good thoughts, madam!
What is your schedule?
George Simion: Madam, I sent you a press release. Are you harassing people in the European Parliament too?
I'm not harassing. Camelia Donțu, ProTV News. Won't you talk to us?
George Simion: Well, yes, but can't you see how you're behaving? That's not how one behaves.
So can you give us a statement about today's meetings?
George Simion: Of course, I sent a press release, as usual. You have a candidate you support, he's autistic, poor thing!
The statement has sparked a wave of critical reactions, being considered disrespectful towards individuals with autism spectrum disorders.
However, the term "autistic" is frequently used by Simion's supporters online to attack Nicușor Dan, known for his reserved profile and sober discourse:
Simion's statements come just three days before the second round of the presidential elections, fueling concerns about the aggressive tone and lack of respect in the public and electoral space, which he has demonstrated in the past as well.
Simion and the Avoidance of Confrontation
After a brief period of apparent openness, during which George Simion temporarily abandoned his media isolation strategy and promised to give interviews to anyone and participate in any debate, he has returned to a populist and polarizing discourse, indicating a strategic repositioning.
He doesn't even go to TVR (the public television) with Nicușor Dan.
He was absent from the debates organized on Micutzu's podcast on Wednesday, as well as on Romania TV, despite initially saying he would attend.
Similarly, he initially confirmed his participation in the debate organized on Tuesday evening by Antena3, but George Simion was absent from there as well.
On Monday evening, George Simion declined an invitation from Digi24, where a debate between the main presidential candidates was scheduled.