According to recent polls, the top positions are held by Prime Minister and leader of the Social Democrats, Marcel Ciolacu, and the leader of the far-right AUR party, George Simion.
As reported by Reuters, Ciolacu advocates for support for Ukraine and its integration into the EU and NATO, while Simion, on the contrary, openly criticizes aid to Kyiv, particularly military assistance.
The INSCOP poll shows that Ciolacu is supported by 25.3% of voters, while Simion receives 19.1%. It is anticipated that these two candidates will face off in the second round of elections, which will take place in December. László, the candidate from the "Union for the Salvation of Romania" party, has garnered 14.3% support. László also backs a pro-European course but focuses on strengthening Romania's position within the EU and NATO.
The competition between Ciolacu and Simion could determine the direction of Romania's foreign policy, particularly its support for Ukraine in the conflict with Russia. For László and other center-right candidates, this election campaign is also a crucial opportunity to bolster their positions and alter the political landscape of the country, which traditionally gravitates towards two main poles — the Social Democrats and National Liberals.
Political analyst Council Magdin notes that the battle for second place in the first round may prove to be just as significant as winning itself. The winner of the presidential election will appoint the next Prime Minister, making the election highly consequential for all key parties. At the same time, the fragmentation among the center-right gives Ciolacu an advantage over Simion, who relies on support from the protest electorate.
Source: reuters.