The elections in Romania represent a crucial step for conservative Europe — which is why La Voce del Patriota chose to follow them on the ground. A few days before the runoff that could bring George Simion to the presidency, we interviewed Carlo Fidanza, head of the Fratelli d’Italia delegation to the European Parliament, who was in Bucharest on election night. Fidanza offers us a privileged insight into a campaign fought against the European establishment and into the significance of a possible AUR victory for the entire patriotic and identitarian political movement. From the resistance to one-track thinking to Romania’s strategic role, and the concrete possibility that a new Europe of sovereign nations could take shape — led by bold leaders like Giorgia Meloni and George Simion.
Mr. Fidanza, let’s start with election night. You were in Bucharest when the first exit polls came in: George Simion was leading by a wide margin. The Romanian people spoke clearly. What struck you most about this campaign and this victory?
Simion ran a very intelligent campaign. He managed to ride the wave of legitimate outrage among Romanians over the cancellation of the first round in November and the disqualification of Georgescu — without ever letting things escalate into violence or falling into the trap of provocations. He avoided direct confrontation and debates that would have legitimized candidates who should not have been allowed to run. He won the first round by a landslide because the Romanian people understood the message: restoring freedom, democracy, and sovereignty for an entire nation depended — and still depends — on Simion.
“Respect” was not just a slogan. It became a cry for freedom against the arrogance of the establishment. To what extent does Simion’s success signal that conservative values are alive, vital, and winning across Europe?
They are more alive than ever, and we see confirmation of this every time people go to the polls across Europe. “Respect” is first and foremost a rallying cry of protest against certain progressive elites who even attempt to distort the normal democratic process in order to suppress those values.
Not even the mainstream media’s one-sided narrative managed to stop Simion. What does that say about the Romanian people’s desire for change — and about the role of bold leaders like him and Giorgia Meloni in challenging the globalist narrative?
The campaign revealed the usual face of the mainstream media, portraying a version of Simion that simply doesn’t exist, to frighten people and keep them away from the polls. It’s exactly the same playbook used against Giorgia Meloni — with poor results, because people aren’t stupid. They know how to recognize truth from media spin and campaigns that degenerate into fake news.
In less than two weeks, Simion will face Nicușor Dan — the “Brussels-approved” candidate — in the runoff. What does he need to do now to consolidate his lead and secure victory?
First of all, he needs to keep the momentum high among those who voted for him in the first round. After Antonescu placed third, the governing coalition collapsed and Prime Minister Ciolacu was forced to resign. The Socialist Party didn’t issue any voting guidance, which sparked an angry reaction from the EPP in Brussels. These are all signs of deep unease. Simion, by contrast, needs to reassure those who didn’t vote for him, and move forward without taking the bait from provocations — which will certainly come. The other night at AUR headquarters there was a strong sense of optimism, and I found Simion — though visibly tired — clear-headed and already planning the next phase of the campaign.
Some argue that a Simion presidency would isolate Romania. But the facts suggest otherwise: a solid relationship with Giorgia Meloni’s Italy, a desire to remain in NATO — but finally with a voice of its own. How do you respond to those who fear this change?
Simion has repeatedly clarified his international stance, reaffirming his strong allegiance to NATO and to the Western world, and speaking very harshly about Russia. The system has failed — it has brought Romania to its knees — and now it must step aside for those who truly love their nation above all else.
You and Giorgia Meloni have long spoken of a conservative revolution. A Simion victory would be a huge boost for the ECR. How would things change within the European institutions with another conservative president at the table?
It would mean, first of all, having four members of the European Council, surpassing the Socialists in that forum. It would be a historic achievement, made possible by the great work done by Giorgia Meloni and Fratelli d’Italia in growing the ECR family. If we add those four ECR heads of government to the bloc led by the EPP, we’d have a strong center-right majority capable of changing the misguided policies of recent years. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves — the Romanian people still have to vote — but it’s clear that such a scenario would be a huge opportunity for our political family.
With the Black Sea on its doorstep, Romania plays a huge strategic role. Can it really become a beacon for a Europe of nations? What concrete steps are needed to strengthen this role?
Since its liberation from the communist regime, Romania has gone through a long period of fragmentation and instability. But it is a great nation — a vital part of Europe’s eastern frontier, a key member of the Atlantic alliance, the only Latin-language country in the post-Soviet Slavic bloc, and a bridge to the Western Balkan states, which will soon join the EU. Romania has just entered the Schengen area — a goal strongly desired by its people. More than ever, it needs strong, steady leadership in order to keep growing. And Giorgia Meloni’s Italy can be a key partner in that journey.
Looking at Italy: Fratelli d’Italia and AUR belong to the same political family. What lessons can the Italian center-right draw from Simion’s success?
First of all, I want to highlight the extraordinary support Simion received from Romanians abroad — especially in Italy, where he won 73% of the vote. That’s an incredible result! I believe it was also helped by the strong relationship between him and Giorgia Meloni, who is very much appreciated by the large Romanian community living and working in Italy. As for the Italian center-right, I hope it can increasingly serve as a model for Europe, helping to tear down the walls between centrists and conservatives. We have overlapping electorates — dividing us only benefits the left.
Lastly, let’s talk about the man himself. George Simion is still little known to the Italian public. You’ve worked closely with him for years — how would you describe him?
I consider George not only a colleague — together with Marion Maréchal we serve as Vice Presidents of the ECR party — but also a personal friend. I found photos of us together from early 2021. I’ve followed both his personal journey and the growth of AUR. I supported their accession to ECR and took part in many of their meetings in both Romania and Italy. George is a tireless worker, a remarkable organizer, and a charismatic leader. He has little patience for labels or the compromises that so often come with politics. He has sharp political instincts, even if he can sometimes come across as headstrong. I wish him — and the Romanian people — that, in a few weeks, the activist Simion I’ve come to know becomes a great president.
