site.btaGeorge Simion, Calin Georgescu Vote Together in Romania's Presidential Election First Round

George Simion, leader of the far-right opposition Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) and presidential candidate, cast his vote alongside former presidential candidate Calin Georgescu in Mogosoaia, near Bucharest, on Sunday. The two were greeted by a large crowd of supporters chanting "George Simion for president". Some gifted flowers to Georgescu and held icons.

This took place amid heightened police presence and strong media interest.

Georgescu said he was not there to acknowledge fraud as exemplified by this election, but to recognize the power of democracy and voting.

For his part, Simion said his mission was to restore constitutional order and democracy in Romania, focusing on justice for the people. "We are here with one goal, to bring justice to Romania," he said.

Recent polls have given Simion a lead in the first round of the presidential elections. He has led AUR since it was founded in 2019. He tried running for the European Parliament in 2019, but did not secure enough votes. Simion has a background in business and administration and is known for his activism in a coalition of NGOs promoting the unification of Romania with Moldova. He has been banned from Moldova and Ukraine for his actions against their sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Simion is married and has a one-year-old son.