Just like the Legionnaires and the Communists did before them, the Sovereignists have invented their own "enemies of the people and of the country", whom they demonize through visual propaganda. The targets include the EU, Ukraine, Soros, CCR, LGBTQ+, Nicușor Dan and Mugur Isărescu.
While politicians in Chisinau have noted the deep ties between the two Romanian states, experts also see the vote as a sign of Moldovans' concern for their own security and interest in maintaining their country's European path.
By electing Nicușor Dan, Romania has scored an image-boost coup in Brussels and, at the same time, created expectations that are very difficult to satisfy. The potential benefits, but also the responsibility that befalls our country, are great.
George Simion wants to take over the MAGA image, and his good score in the presidential election has brought him to the attention of European extremists. However, a sovereignist policy would spell economic costs and political isolation for Romania.
Romanians in the Republic of Moldova overwhelmingly voted for Nicușor Dan, even though the ruling party, PAS, supported Crin Antonescu. Directly threatened by Moscow, the Moldovans rejected George Simion who, although he declared himself a unionist, is perceived as pro-Russian across the Prut. On the other hand, George Simion got most of the votes of the Romanian diaspora in Europe, which until recently preferred candidates and parties defined as pro-European and reformist.
