Italian Deputy PM congratulates Simion: Italian far-right supports Romania's nationalist turn

<p>George Simion (AUR) has won the first round of Romania's presidential election with 40.5% and will face pro-European Nicușor Dan in the second round. His victory was immediately hailed by Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, leader of the far-right Lega party, who delivered an anti-EU and anti-Brussels message. Although they are not part of the same European political grouping, public support in Italy signals an ideological rapprochement between AUR and the European far-right. The election was marred by pro-Russian cyber-attacks and a record diaspora turnout. It comes after the controversial annulment of the November vote.