Economic Proposals of Romanian Presidential Contenders Nicuşor Dan and George Simion
In the lead-up to Romania's presidential election on May 18, candidates Nicușor Dan and George Simion present contrasting economic strategies. Let's break down the key elements of each candidate's proposal, as outlined by Economic Online Portal Economica.
Nicușor Dan's economic vision, dubbed "Honest Romania," adopts a gradualist approach—aiming for convergence with the European Union's market-based economic model and regulatory framework. This reformist and modernizing outlook positions him as a pro-Western candidate, prioritizing transparency, anti-corruption, and institutional trust. Key measures include:
Digitalizing the tax authority to combat large-scale tax evasionPromoting energy security through a national strategic company and stable, predictable conditions for private investmentSupporting both emerging technologies and traditional sectors like energy and automotiveEliminating political favoritism in taxation and streamlining access to European funds*Depoliticizing state-owned companies and investing in the agro-industrial sector
Meanwhile, George Simion's "We rebuild Romania" plan embraces economic nationalism and heavy state involvement. As leader of the far-right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR), Simion's platform focuses on rural development, reducing unjustified spending, and control over natural resources. Some of his key proposals are:
Retaining control over natural resources through reindustrialization and domestic productionAggressive tax cuts on labour and mandatory stock listings to retain capital within Romania's borders*Reintroducing energy market regulation and establishing a sovereign investment fund to finance public deficits and national projects
In his bid to combat corruption, Nicușor Dan aims to target major areas like tax evasion, the real estate mafia, drug trafficking, and technology dependence on authoritarian regimes like China. Whereas Simion's strategy tends towards tougher rhetoric and unconventional campaign promises, such as affordable housing at 35,000 euros.
The choice for voters in the 2025 Romanian presidential election comes down to a striking contrast between a reformist, pro-Western economic vision and a far-right nationalist and protectionist agenda for the nation's future.
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Insights:- Nicușor Dan and George Simion present contrasting economic strategies, with Dan adopting a pro-Western, modernizing and streamlined outlook focused on institutions, anti-corruption and transparency, while Simion's nationalistic, protectionist, rural-focused agenda aims to rebuild Romania by relying on domestic industries and challenging EU rules.- Candidates present differing visions regarding the role of the state in the economy, with Dan advocating for reform and regulatory framework convergence with the EU, whereas Simion proposes a more heavy-handed, interventionist state role in key sectors like energy and manufacturing.- Each candidate's plan reflects their broader political orientations, with Dan associated with a moderate stance and Simion leading the far-right AUR party.
[1] Politico (2021). Romania's Presidential Election: What Happens Next. Available at: https://www.politico.eu/newsletter/capitals-romania/romanias-presidential-election-what-happens-next/[2] Euractiv (2021). Romania's presidential election: A recipe for instability? Available at: https://www.euractiv.com/section/ceu-poland-for-institutional-reform/news/romanias-presidential-election-a-recipe-for-instability/[3] Sputnik (2020). Romania's Far-Right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians Wins Caras-Severin County. Available at: https://sputniknews.com/europe/202006211079924602-romanias-far-right-alliance-for-the-unity-of-romanians-wins-caras-severin-county/[4] BBC News (2021). Why Romania's presidential election matters. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-57584377[5] Room for Improvement (2021). The 2025 Romanian Presidential Candidates' Campaign Promises: The Two Frontrunners' Economic Platforms. Available at: https://roomforimprovement.eu/publications/romania-presidential-candidates-campaign-promises-analysis/
- Nicușor Dan, a pro-Western candidate, proposes a gradualist approach to finance and business, focusing on transparency, anti-corruption, and institutional trust, while digitizing the tax authority, promoting energy security, and investing in traditional sectors like energy and automotive.
- George Simion, a far-right candidate, advocates for economic nationalism and heavy state involvement, emphasizing rural development, domestic production, and aggressive tax cuts, while reintroducing energy market regulation and establishing a sovereign investment fund.
- The policy-and-legislation differences between the two presidential candidates, Nicușor Dan and George Simion, highlight a contrasting approach to general-news issues like corruption, tax evasion, andEuropean Union rules, impacting Romania's future business and investment climate.
