Financial Times: "The Mathematician vs. the Former Hooligan". The rise of George Simion and economic discontent put pressure on the pro-EU model.

The Financial Times publication analyzes the possibility that George Simion, the leader of AUR, could become the Prime Minister of Romania, following a possible failure of President Nicușor Dan.

Simion, a "former hooligan", has rapidly gained popularity, with his party at 37% in polls, and openly criticizes the European Union. In the context of a weakened Romanian democracy, Simion has managed to gain the support of socialists to dismiss the current government. He rejects accusations of being pro-Russian, emphasizing that he is not a fan of the Russian world.

Nicușor Dan, a mathematician with a calm style, faces challenges in maintaining power and countering Simion's rise. If Simion comes to power, EU officials fear that Romania could become another example of populist nationalism, similar to Viktor Orban in Hungary.