Romanian nationalist Simion calls Trianon a “moment of truth,” not a punishment for Hungary
George Simion, the far-right Romanian politician and runner-up in the country’s presidential election, made a controversial statement on the anniversary of the Treaty of Trianon. He claimed the treaty, which resulted in Hungary losing two-thirds of its territory after World War I, was not a punishment for Hungary but a restoration of Romania’s historical rights.
“A victory for historical justice”
In a public statement published on the anniversary of the treaty’s signing, Simion described 4 June 1920 as a day of “historical justice”. According to him, the agreement corrected past wrongs and acknowledged the Romanian nation’s struggle and legitimacy. “4 June was not just another day—it was the moment the world had to accept the truth of a nation that fought with a heart full of faith,” he said.
He further stated that Romania did not ask for mercy or favours but demanded justice—and received it, not because of generosity from the great powers, but because “truth could no longer be ignored.”
“Hungary lost what it had taken by force”
Simion emphasised that the treaty should not be seen as retribution against Hungary. “Trianon was not Hungary’s punishment. It was a moment of truth,” he declared, asserting that Hungary lost only territories it had “taken by force.” According to him, Romania merely reclaimed what was rightfully theirs, “through blood and will.”
He also claimed that the treaty ended the “humiliation” of ethnic Romanians in Transylvania, who, he said, had been denied their language, faith, and dignity under Hungarian rule.
Ties to Orbán and Hungarian reactions
Simion’s campaign prominently featured his connection to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. During a May campaign event in Tihany, Orbán praised Simion, stating that “the time of nations and Christian Europe has come.” The Hungarian PM also signalled that Hungary would not support isolating or retaliating against Romania or its future leadership, regardless of the election outcome.
Despite Orbán’s praise, Romania’s ethnic Hungarian party, the Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania (RMDSZ), endorsed Simion’s opponent, Nicușor Dan, in the second round of the election, 24.hu writes. Notably, Dan performed strongly in Harghita and Covasna counties: regions with large ethnic Hungarian populations.
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