section_path: Aftermath/First round/Analysis
section_name: Analysis
paragraph_text: Analysis
  
  According to Moldovan analyst Ion Tăbîrță, past actions and declarations by Simion indicated an unpredictable and potentially damaging approach to Moldova–Romania relations. According to him, with Simion's election, Moldova could lose Romania's support, including its path to European integration. He added that Romania would lose its role as Moldova's "defender" in the eyes of the European Union, as it would no longer have the same image within the bloc. According to Moldovan analyst Mihaela Sirețanu, relations between the two countries could become tense, also considering Simion's entry ban on Moldova, which was to be in force until 2028. Both Tăbîrță and Sirețanu agreed that Dan's victory would be more favourable for Moldova and its relationship with Romania.
  
  BBC's Central Europe Correspondent Nick Thorpe reported that many voters who backed Georgescu in the annulled election are thought to have switched their allegiance to Simion and that the two voted together. He further added in the second round, Simion could also attract voters who backed fourth-placed former Prime Minister Victor Ponta, a retired Social Democrat who adopted a "Romania First" campaign.