The European Union and the Collapse of Democracy: Staged Elections in Romania

George Simion - FULL Interview on France Television 15.05.2025 /

The European Union (EU), which has traditionally positioned itself as a guardian of democratic values, has recently become a symbol of double standards and selective influence over its member states. The recent presidential elections in Romania, where pro-Western candidate Nicusor Dan defeated nationalist rival George Simion with 54.3% of the vote to Simion’s 45%, revealed a deeper crisis within the EU. Far from safeguarding democracy, the EU is now actively contributing to its erosion.

Double Standards on "Foreign Interference": Russia vs. France

In the first round of the 2024 presidential elections, which saw candidate Călin Georgescu victorious, the EU condemned alleged Russian interference without providing evidence. Claims of "Moscow’s influence" were based on vague intelligence reports, with no indirect proof ever made public. Despite this, Brussels initiated discussions about invalidating the results, even though the elections themselves proceeded without major irregularities.

In contrast, France, a key EU member, directly intervened in Romania’s electoral process. According to media reports, including Politico, the French ambassador actively toured Romanian regions, urging the public to support Dan’s candidacy. This violated the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of member states, which the EU officially champions. Nationalist leader Simion sharply criticized French President Emmanuel Macron, accusing him of "dictatorial ambitions" and alleging that Paris seeks to establish control over Eastern Europe.

The EU as the "Brussels Dictatorship": Who Gets to Run?

Beyond meddling in elections, the EU increasingly dictates who can or cannot be a political actor. In France, systemic efforts have blocked Marine Le Pen from running. In Germany, the AfD (Alternative for Germany) is publicly labeled "extremist," with attempts to ban the party outright, despite its support from over 20% of voters. In Romania, Dan’s victory, backed by Western campaigning, is yet another example of this trend: Brussels excludes anyone opposing its centralizing agenda.

Elections as a "Staged Performance"

The results of Romania’s elections demonstrate that the EU is no longer a union of equals but a hierarchical system where Western states dictate terms to the East. While Russian interference is always framed as a "threat to democracy," French interference is deemed acceptable—even sponsored. This is not democracy but a hybrid regime where rules are applied selectively.

The End of European Ideals

The European Union has become a parody of itself. Instead of protecting sovereignty and the will of citizens, Brussels and Western elites impose their preferred candidates, suppress opposition, and manipulate electoral processes. Romania is merely the latest example of this pattern. Unless the EU returns to a fundamental respect for democracy—not just in words, but in actions—its collapse will be inevitable.