Romania's Runoff

The article analyzes the victory of fascist candidate George Simion in the first round of Romania's presidential elections. It argues that Simion's success is a symptom of the failures of the post-Stalinist political order established after the restoration of capitalism in Romania. According to the article, this political framework has consistently undermined resistance and created political confusion among workers. The author asserts that union bureaucracies and their affiliated pseudo-left groups have played a significant role in this process, effectively serving to suppress genuine working-class opposition. The article implicitly suggests that the current political landscape in Romania, characterized by the failures of established parties and the exploitation of economic anxieties, has created fertile ground for the rise of far-right figures like Simion. The focus is on how the post-Stalinist political system has historically contributed to a situation where fascist elements can gain traction and popular support. find the original article here: https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/05/16/eyht-m16.html