New poll shows far-right candidate Simion wins first round but loses presidential elections in Romania
<p>A survey conducted by MKOR shows that far-right candidate George Simion is leading in voting intentions for the presidential elections, with 31.2% of the votes cast. Still, he would lose the second round against two of his challengers: independent Nicușor Dan and ruling coalition's candidate Crin Antonescu, according to the survey, presented by <a href="https://www.bursa.ro/sondaj-mkor-preferintele-electorale-din-primul-tur-si-dinamica-scenariilor-pentru-turul-doi-23792551?mc_cid=ebf955dda1&amp;mc_eid=607bd7d763" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Bursa</a>.</p>

<p>According to the poll, Nicușor Dan ranks second in the first round, with 22.7%, followed by Crin Antonescu, with 18.8%. Victor Ponta gets 17.1%, while Elena Lasconi is far behind, with 5.3%.</p>

<p>In the second round, Simion would lose to Nicușor Dan (35%-31%) and Crin Antonescu (33%-31%). With Victor Ponta and Elena Lasconi, the scores are extremely close, 30%-30% and, respectively, 31%-30%.</p>

<p>The survey also highlights a strong polarization of the electorate: Simion is supported mainly by people from rural areas (58%), with low incomes (50%) and lower education (59%), while Nicușor Dan attracts urban voters, with medium and high incomes (72%) and higher education (43%), the source states.</p>

<p>The voting intention is high, with 87% of Simion's supporters and 94% of Nicușor Dan's supporters saying they would go to the polls.</p>

<p>However, the survey also highlights a high level of indecision: over 45% of respondents either did not mention a candidate spontaneously or refused to answer.</p>

<p>The MKOR poll was conducted online, between March 26-28, 2025.</p>

<p><em>(Photo: <a href="https://www.dreamstime.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Andrii Yalanskyi/ Dreamstime</a>)</em></p>

<p><em>iulian@romania-insider.com</em></p>