Romanian presidential candidate Giorgio Simion, who is leading in the polls, said Russia does not pose a significant threat to NATO. Simion added that the only risk to the alliance's eastern flank is the collapse of the alliance itself.

The Eurosceptic nationalist is leading in opinion polls ahead of the first round of voting in Romania on May 4, five months after the initial vote was cancelled over alleged Russian interference denied by Moscow. 

Simion, 38, opposes military aid to neighbouring Ukraine, criticises EU leadership and supports US President Donald Trump's Making America Great Again (MAGA) movement.

"Russia does not have the potential to pose a significant threat to the world's largest military alliance," the presidential candidate said.

"That's why the only threat is the potential breakup of NATO. For Romania, for Poland, for the Baltic states, this is a serious security threat," he stressed. 

Simion said the only way forward for the alliance is by ensuring that the US continues to lead NATO, although he supports increasing defence spending by European countries.

"We have to work for the unity of NATO and keep it as a defence alliance. There are people who would like to create two geopolitical blocs, even opposing blocs - the EU and the US."

Analysts say a Simion victory would risk isolating Romania abroad, undermining private investment and destabilising NATO's eastern flank by adding another disruptor alongside Hungary and Slovakia.

Simion hopes to capitalise on widespread public anger over the annulment, having taken the post from far-right challenger Calin Giurgescu, who topped the poll in the annulled vote but is now barred from running and is under criminal investigation.

Simion has said he may appoint Giurgescu as prime minister. Djordescu has said he plans to nationalise companies, which has caused concern among investors. | BGNES