Nationalist Simion and reformist Lasconi compete for a spot in Romanian presidential run-off
<p>Social Democrat (PSD) leader and prime minister Marcel Ciolacu remains the frontrunner in Romania’s presidential race that sees its first round on November 24, polling at 24.3%, according to a survey by AtlasIntel conducted between November 15–20 and published by <a href="https://hotnews.ro/exclusiv-sondaj-atlasintel-marcel-ciolacu-in-scadere-usoara-ciuca-creste-vizibil-studiul-confirma-declinul-unuia-dintre-favoriti-1839887?mc_cid=d94479a289&amp;mc_eid=cd1f92f96c" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Hotnews.ro</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The fight for second place and a spot in the run-off remains tight between nationalist George Simion (AUR) and reformist Elena Lasconi (USR), separated by a narrow margin.</p>

<p>The survey, based on 2,003 respondents, employed random digital recruitment and has a margin of error of ±2%, with a confidence level of 95%.</p>

<p>George Simion currently stands at 15.4%, edging just ahead of USR candidate Elena Lasconi, who polls at 15.3%. Both candidates gained one percentage point compared to the last AtlasIntel poll published on November 14.</p>

<p>Liberal leader Nicolae Ciucă (PNL) gains momentum, while independent candidate Mircea Geoană slides.</p>

<p>In fourth place is PNL leader Nicolae Ciucă, who has seen the most significant improvement, rising to 12.1% from 10.2% eight days prior. Independent candidate Mircea Geoană, meanwhile, continues to lose ground, falling to fifth position with 7%.</p>

<p>Other candidates are Călin Georgescu (6.2%), Kelemen Hunor (UDMR, 5.9%), Ana Birchall (4.2%), Cristian Diaconescu (3.3%), Cristian Terheș (2.1%) and Ludovic Orban (1.5%), who recently announced his withdrawal from the race to support Elena Lasconi.&nbsp;</p>

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

<p><em>(Photo source: Inquam Photos/George Calin)</em></p>