BUCHAREST, May 22, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Romania's constitutional court announced Thursday the rejection of nationalist candidate George Simion's appeal after his defeat in the presidential run-off vote at the weekend.

Simion, who lost to Bucharest's centrist Mayor Nicusor Dan, had appealed to the constitutional court to cancel the vote, alleging foreign interference, including by France.

"At the end of its deliberations," the court "unanimously rejected the request to annul the elections, deeming it unfounded," according to a statement.

Sunday's ballot came five months after Romania's constitutional court annulled an election over allegations of Russian interference and the massive social media promotion of the far-right frontrunner, who was not allowed to stand again.

"The Court continues its coup d'etat!" the unsuccessful candidate immediately reacted on Facebook. "All we can do is fight! I invite you to join me, today and in the weeks to come!"

Romania's president appoints key posts, such as the prime minister, and has significant sway in foreign policy, including representing the country at NATO and EU summits.

The election turmoil has increased economic uncertainty in the EU's most indebted country, which is grappling with high inflation.