The presidential elections of May 4, 2025, are not just a vote. They are a referendum on identity, sovereignty, and the future. Romania stands at a crossroads: on one side, those defending their roots and freedom; on the other, those looking to a uniform Europe built on rules and compromises. After the annulment of the 2024 elections, accused of “foreign interference,” the country returns to the polls with anger and hope.
At stake is the fate of a nation. Here is the contest, from A to Zeta, told without filters or censorship.
A for Annulment
On December 6, 2024, the Constitutional Court invalidated the first round of the presidential elections, citing alleged Russian interference in favor of Călin Georgescu (22.94% of the vote). The ruling sparked massive protests, with thousands calling it a “judicial coup” and demanding transparent elections.
B for Bucharest
The capital is boiling. Mayor Nicușor Dan, an independent candidate, polls at 20% (source: CURS, March 2025). The streets of Bucharest are filled with marches and slogans, especially after Georgescu’s exclusion turned the city into a political battlefield.
C for Candidates
Eleven candidates are running, but four dominate: George Simion (AUR) leads with 35%, embodying nationalist revival; Crin Antonescu (19%), backed by the pro-European PSD-PNL-UDMR coalition, is the face of the establishment; Nicușor Dan represents pragmatic reform; Victor Ponta, at 21% (source: CURS), plays the experience card. Elena Lasconi (USR) trails at 7%, but remains in the race.
D for Democracy
Public trust is on the edge. The annulment fueled fears of manipulation. Authorities claim transparency, supported by international observers—but any misstep could ignite a deeply polarized society.
E for Exclusion
Călin Georgescu, the “rebel” who disrupted the 2024 race, is out. Accusations of illicit funding and incitement were used to block him, without clear public evidence. His supporters cry conspiracy and have shifted their backing to Simion.
F for Fewer Signatures, More Power
Candidates need 200,000 signatures to qualify. Simion gathered them in just one week, backed by a grassroots machine. Ponta relied on old PSD networks, Dan on citizen volunteers, and Antonescu on the ruling coalition’s apparatus.
G for Georgescu
Călin Georgescu remains a symbol. His message—Christian values and rejection of global elites—galvanized those disillusioned with traditional politics. Though excluded, his legacy lives on in Simion’s campaign for a “Romanian revolution.”
H for Hungarians
The Hungarian minority (6% of the population) plays a key role. The UDMR, part of Antonescu’s coalition, provides stability but also controversy: Simion accuses them of “selling out” Romanian sovereignty. Their vote in Mureș and Harghita could be decisive in a runoff.
I for Identity
Who are Romanians today? Simion invokes heritage, faith, and family. Dan promotes modernity rooted in tradition. Antonescu and Ponta offer a more fluid, pro-European vision. In an age of conformity, Romania must decide whether to defend what makes it unique.
L for Liberty
Freedom of speech is under fire. The annulment and Georgescu investigation created a climate of distrust. Simion denounces online censorship, while platforms like TikTok—under surveillance—have become the battleground for a new generation.
M for Moldova
Unifying Romania and Moldova remains a passionate cause. Simion, banned from Chișinău until 2028, champions the idea of a “shared destiny.” For some, it’s a historical mission; for others, a distraction from pressing issues.
N for Nation
Simion and AUR represent a right that doesn’t apologize. “Romania First” is more than a slogan—it’s a rebellion against globalist standardization. Inspired by leaders like Giorgia Meloni, Simion packs town squares. The establishment calls him dangerous; many call him their last hope.
O for Opportunity
This election is a fork in the road. Simion offers patriotic change, Dan honest governance, Antonescu continuity with Brussels, Ponta pragmatic stability. The question: what kind of Romania do we want for future generations?
P for Ponta
Victor Ponta is the comeback kid. At 21% (source: CURS), the former PM runs as an independent after breaking with the PSD. Skilled at appealing across divides, he is polarizing: some see a savvy leader, others a political survivor. After narrowly losing the presidency in 2014, he wants redemption.
Q for Questions
Romania’s challenges are real. Corruption still siphons public funds—Transparency International ranks it 63rd globally. One in three young Romanians leaves the country (average net salary: €800). Simion calls for social justice, Dan for efficiency, Antonescu for more EU funding. Meanwhile, war looms across the border in Ukraine.
R for Revolt
Since December, protests have rocked cities like Bucharest, Timișoara, and Cluj. Workers and students march together, shouting down the “political caste.” Simion rides the wave, Dan seeks reform through institutions, Ponta offers mediation. The square will speak on May 4.
S for Simion
At 38, George Simion is the anti-establishment icon. Bold, unfiltered, allergic to compromise, he’s turned AUR into a populist powerhouse. Inspired by JD Vance in the U.S., he speaks to Romania’s forgotten majority. Critics call him dangerous—his base calls him necessary.
T for TikTok
The platform that launched Georgescu is now central to the campaign. Viral clips on patriotism and EU critique attract millions. After allegations of “Russian propaganda,” the EU is pushing new rules via the Digital Services Act. But for now, Simion and Dan dominate the narrative.
U for Unity
Romania is fractured: cities vs. villages, nationalists vs. globalists. Simion calls for national unity under the tricolor. Dan promotes a civic pact. Antonescu champions coalitions, but lacks spark. How do you heal a nation that no longer trusts itself?
V for Vote
9.4 million Romanians will vote. After a 52.5% turnout in 2024, analysts expect a surge, driven by anger and hope. With 19,000 polling stations in Romania and 950 abroad, the electoral system is under pressure. Disputes are inevitable. Every ballot will speak volumes.
Z for Zeal
This campaign runs on passion. Simion channels identity. Dan stands for integrity. Ponta bets on resilience. Antonescu promises calm continuity. After years of apathy, Romania is awakening. This isn’t just politics—it’s a fight for the nation’s soul.
Trivia & Background
Simion and MEGA: Inspired by Donald Trump’s MAGA movement, George Simion founded MEGA (Make Europe Great Again), pushing for an EU of sovereign nations—a message that thrills his supporters and alarms Brussels.
Ponta the survivor: Ousted from the PSD, Ponta gathered 200,000 signatures in 10 days. He founded PRO Romania in 2019. He’s alone—but not finished.
Bucharest under siege: Protests after Georgescu’s exclusion led to 12 injuries and 40 arrests. Tear gas didn’t stop the outrage.
Dan the outsider: Nicușor Dan is the only major candidate without a party machine. He won Bucharest in 2020 against all odds—but the presidency is a different battlefield.
TikTok in the crosshairs: The EU wants to test new anti-disinformation rules in Romania. One of Simion’s videos hit 2 million views in 48 hours. Algorithms are writing political history.
Conclusion
The 2025 elections are more than a vote—they’re a reckoning. Simion, Dan, Ponta, Antonescu. Four visions, one decision: who will shape Romania’s future? On May 4, citizens won’t just cast a ballot—they’ll take a stand.
With The Voice of the Patriot, we will be in Bucharest to report every moment of this historic page. Join us: what happens in Romania affects all of Europe.
We in the front line, you in the front row.
