MEP Siegfried Muresan warns that Romania’s presidential elections, scheduled for May 18, will directly influence the Republic of Moldova’s European trajectory and the bilateral relationship between the two countries. In a statement to IPN Press Agency, Muresan raised concerns about the risks posed by a potential victory of candidate George Simion, whom he describes as “anti-European, populist, and extremist.”
“A clear choice lies between the future and the past, freedom and autocracy, development and stagnation. The pro-European candidate, Nicusor Dan, would preserve unity between Romania and the Republic of Moldova, while George Simion would create division,” Muresan stated.
The MEP cautioned that a Simion presidency could bring to power a government in Bucharest composed of “extremist and populist parties,” which would jeopardize bilateral relations and diminish Romania’s support for Moldova.
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“I have heard him speak about halting aid to Ukraine. I have heard him say that Romania should prioritize itself. Romania holds a historic responsibility toward the Republic of Moldova. The support it offers benefits both countries, but George Simion fails to understand this and could use Moldova as a political target,” the European Parliament member added.
Muresan urged Moldovan citizens with Romanian citizenship, at home and abroad, to vote, stressing that the election will directly impact them.
He reiterated the need for Romania to elect a pro-European president who can form a stable, West-oriented government: “This is the stake, and it is very high.”
Moldova will maintain the same 64 polling stations as in the second round. Voters can cast their ballots on May 16, 17, or 18. The polls will be open from 07:00 to 21:00.
In the first round, AUR party candidate George Simion received 40.96% of the vote, while independent candidate Nicusor Dan garnered 20.99%.