Meloni 2.0
Simion has cited right-wing Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni as a political hero and known as for the “Melonization” of Europe.
“Consider me, there will likely be a Simionization as nicely,” he advised POLITICO final November, shortly earlier than Romania’s annulled presidential election, during which he positioned fourth.
Within the months since that election consequence was scrapped — far-right shock winner Călin Georgescu was disqualified and a brand new vote ordered by the nation’s constitutional courtroom after the Romanian authorities alleged Russian interference propelled him to victory — Simion’s profile has soared.
Vigorously denouncing the cancelation of final yr’s election, he has framed the do-over as a battle for “democracy, the folks’s will, the rule of legislation and the constitutional order,” and vowed to nominate Georgescu to a prime position if he’s elected.
At a televised debate between presidential candidates final month, he showed up with a bouquet of flowers for Elena Lasconi, the center-left candidate who got here second eventually yr’s annulled vote, earlier than strolling out in protest over the canceled election.
The theatrical stunt epitomizes the disruptive politics of Simion, who started his political profession marching within the streets and spray-painting ultranationalist slogans on roads throughout the nation.
Sunday’s election result’s the fruits of his rise from fringe agitator to far-right chief — and doubtlessly, ought to he make it to Cotroceni Palace, the presidential residence in Bucharest, essentially the most highly effective man in Romania.
Carmen Paun contributed to this report.
