Simion's Supporters Aim to Protect Traditions and Move Forward as a Nation in Romania

A woman in traditional attire chants, "Do not be afraid, you are Dacians!" from the stage. Small groups of Romanians watch the spectacle from the side of a mostly empty concrete parking lot. The thousands of attendees that were announced did not show up, which the organizers claim is part of a conspiracy by the political establishment to discredit the event.

The Dacians were a people who lived in Romania 2000 years ago. Here in Sarmizegetusa, a village in the center of the country, the message is that they are still part of Romanian identity. The music festival is meant to celebrate this.

However, the event is not coincidentally timed just before the elections. The organizer is a staunch supporter of radical nationalist George Simion, who has a strong chance of winning the presidential elections this weekend.

Simion's message: Romanians must take pride in their country, culture, and traditions again. He promises to fight Brussels and to deal with the established parties, under whom corruption remains a pressing issue in the country. Despite political promises, disadvantaged Romania outside the major cities remains stagnant for many.

This message resonates with many voters. "I think we should preserve our traditions and move forward as a Romanian nation," says Cristina, 41, who is waiting for a well-known traditional musician to arrive. Like many Romanians, she has worked abroad for years. Now, Cristina hopes Simion will bring the change Romania needs so that her compatriots no longer have to cross borders en masse to find jobs.

Opponents of Simion fear what he will bring beyond his populist message. The 38-year-old politician is a big fan of Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán, who has systematically dismantled democratic institutions in recent years.

Simion threatens to stop supporting Ukraine, wants to replace Constitutional Court judges, and is an ally of the ultra-right, pro-Russian Calin Georgescu. Georgescu was the presidential candidate who advanced to the second round in the last election, until the result was annulled following revelations about Russian interference and allegations that voters were misled via TikTok.

The controversial decision by the Constitutional Court has further fueled discontent and distrust toward Romania's political establishment. "This had never happened before," says Cristina. "As far as I'm concerned, it was the biggest nonsense."

Simion is running against Nicusor Dan, the liberal mayor of Bucharest. Dan is also a candidate outside the established political parties that have dominated the past 30 years. He was previously an anti-corruption activist. Both candidates agree that Romania needs a change. According to the latest polls, they are neck and neck.