The Romanian elections are a significant topic in Hungary as well. Both Orbán and Magyar are maneuvering on the issue

Tuesday, May 13, 2025

Denik Referendum

Hungarian PM Orbán supports Romanian far-right candidate Simion amid complex nationalistic tensions between the two nations.

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[This is an automatically generated summary, for reference only]

Romania is gaining attention due to ongoing presidential elections, which are expected to strengthen far-right populists within its European political landscape. Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán supports George Simion, a far-right candidate in Romania, viewing his politics as an example. Orbán expressed agreement with the idea of a “Christian Europe” during a debate. A significant Hungarian minority lives in Romania, and Orbán’s Fidesz financially supports it. The relationship between Romania and Hungary is complicated by shared history involving Transylvania. Opposition figures, such as Péter Magyar, criticize Orbán’s politics as betraying the interests of Romanian Hungarians, while others, including UDMR representatives, have also opposed Simion. Viktor Orbán later stated he was not taking sides in the Romanian elections. In contrast to Simion, Bucharest mayor Nicuşor Dan is running against him, though his support appears limited. The second round of the Romanian presidential election is scheduled for May 18th, and the head of state holds significant powers under Romania’s semi-presidential system.

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