CNN
–
Romania’s pro-European Union presidential candidate Nicușor Dan takes the lead in the country’s election on Sunday after more than 80% of the votes were counted.
Right-right candidate George Simion, who has provided military aid to Ukraine and is critical of the EU, was on track to win the election after sweeping the first round on May 4th.
The election took place five months after the outcome of the first vote that saw former far-right outsider Karin Georjuk saw a surge in popularity and was voided to allegations of Russian interference.
Georgek was banned later this month after being charged with various crimes, including the establishment of a fascist group.
Sunday’s election was widely seen as a litmus test choice for the East and West choices and for the rise of Trump-style nationalism in Europe.
Dan, now head of Bucharest, is a strong supporter of Romania’s NATO membership and is committed to continuing to provide assistance to Ukraine. He also promised to crack down on corruption.
Simion appears to be supported by the Romanian diaspora, one of the largest countries in the world. Approximately 60% of the diaspora voted for Simion in the first round. Since then, he has spent much time outside of Romania, travelling to Austria, Italy, Poland, Belgium, France and the UK, striving to win voters abroad.
