May 12, 2025. TV: What was discussed on TV news last night

Sunday night's TV debates were dominated by the electoral tension ahead of the second round of the presidential elections, with the duel between Nicușor Dan and George Simion in the foreground. The themes revolved around mutual attacks, accusations of manipulation, electoral rallies and strategies to mobilize voters. Simion was the target of criticism for his statements on cheap houses, the "second round back" referendum and foreign positions, while Nicușor Dan was accused on Realitatea Plus of links with "the system". The war in Ukraine was back on the agenda with Putin's calls for negotiations, Zelenski's reactions and positions expressed by the US and the Pope. In parallel, economic issues such as the rise in ROBOR, the risk of pension system collapse and the measures announced by the candidates were debated.

Top topics debated

1. Presidential election. Campaign actions
2. The war in Ukraine. Putin wants direct peace talks, Zelensky says he'll show up
3. Economic problems
4. Kelemen Hunor's discussion with Viktor Orban

Subjects debated in particular on certain TV channels:

• Antena 3: Concedierile de bugetariilor pe le vrea Simion;
• România TV: Dosar penal DIICOT pentru pozele pubblicati de Elena Lasconi în campanie;
• B1 TV: Nicușor Dan, attacked by Simion's bots;
• Digi24: George Simion thanks US for not lifting visas;
• Realitatea Plus: Miting in Victory Square, Nicușor Dan breaks the law;

Top 5 entities mentioned:

1. Nicușor Dan
2. George Simion
3. Vladimir Putin / War in Ukraine
4. Victor Ponta
5. PSD

Details

Antena 3: The debates focused on the presidential election, with a focus on the attacks and accusations in the campaign, images from the last week, the difficulties of mobilizing to vote and the influence of social networks like TikTok. Nicușor Dan's strategy and George Simion's campaign action in London were analyzed. Crin Antonescu's message on the second round was also mentioned, along with discussions about a past confrontation between Simion and Dana Budeanu.

România TV: The central themes included pensions and the future of the system in the context of the "decrețeilors", Nicușor Dan's economic measures and the manipulation of the electorate through "intoxication", especially through George Simion's statements. Other topics: political deals to form the government, the DIICOT investigation into Elena Lasconi's campaign and Simion's call for a referendum. The evening ended with an interview filmed at Nicușor Dan's home.

Digi24: Kelemen Hunor's critical message against George Simion, the economic crisis and the ROBOR increase, as well as international positions in the context of the war in Ukraine and Putin's proposed negotiations were discussed. Other topics included Simion's controversial statements, such as the one about Romania's withdrawal from the Visa Waiver program and Nicușor Dan's political messages. The dispute between George Simion and Victor Ponta was also discussed.

B1 TV: Discussions focused on the conflict in Ukraine, the Pope's message of peace, tensions between the UDMR and Budapest, as well as the dynamics of the presidential elections, Nicușor Dan's chances and Simion's campaign. Kelemen Hunor's message and the importance of mobilization in the 2nd round were detailed. The lack of a clear position on the part of Victor Ponta and the impact of Traian Băsescu's support for Nicușor Dan were analyzed.

Realitatea Plus: The attacks on Nicușor Dan were emphasized - the refusal to debate, alleged violations of the law, the reduction of funds for people with disabilities and controversial relations with characters such as Matei Păun. There was also a discussion about the electoral rallies, Simion's positions and Victor Ponta's hesitations.

***** Synthesis provided by NewsVibe Romania.