A flashlight, mistakenly left in the engine of an F-35 fighter jet on a U.S. Air Force base in Arizona, was inadvertently sucked into the aircraft’s engine, causing irreparable damage valued at $14 million. This incident occurred on March 15, 2023, during a routine maintenance ground run at Luke Air Force Base outside Glendale, according to a newly released branch report.
The 19-page document, issued Thursday, explained that the crucial blunder occurred when a maintainer used and overlooked a flashlight inside the engine inlet during an inspection. After the examination, the jet’s engine was fired up for five minutes, testing for potential fuel leaks. The foreign object was not detected until after the engine was switched off and the maintainer reported hearing an unusual noise from the decelerating engine.
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Further probing led to the startling discovery of “significant damage” to the $14 million engine, forcing the maintainer to concede, “I believe I just ingested a flashlight.” No injuries were reported in the incident, and investigators concluded that the maintainer “failed to clear the inlet of foreign objects after completing the required inspections for an engine run after they exited the aircraft inlet.”
By Popular Demand.
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❓What Happened: There has been a significant rise in sexual violence in Spain, with 5,206 rapes reported in 2024. This comes alongside a rise in illegal immigration, with the country accounting for around a fifth of all asylum claims in the European Union (EU) in 2024, with a large proportion of sexual predators being foreign nationals.
👥 Who’s Involved: The Spanish Ministry of the Interior, law enforcement, migrants, and campaigners like Elena Ramallo.
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📍 Where & When: Spain, with data spanning from 2018 to 2024.
💬 Key Quote: “Not a single reference in the entire article to the identity of the aggressors,” Elena Ramallo criticized, in reference to a report on the figures by El Español which avoided referencing the migrants’ contribution to the rape rise.
⚠️ Impact: Specialized police units are overwhelmed, and there is increasing public pressure on the government for a stronger response.
IN FULL:
Socialist-led Spain is grappling with a surge in sexual violence, as official statistics from the Ministry of the Interior reveal a record 5,206 rapes in 2024. This alarming figure marks nearly a threefold increase from the 1,878 cases reported in 2019, with an average of 14 rapes occurring daily across the nation. The upward trend has persisted since 2018, briefly dipping only in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions on people’s movements.
Regions such as Catalonia and Andalusia and the capital of Madrid report the highest numbers, though all areas of Spain have seen increases. Disturbingly, cases involving minors, assaults linked to nightlife, and group attacks are also on the rise. This figures translate to a woman being raped approximately every hour and 45 minutes.
In Catalonia, a significant proportion of those convicted of rape are foreigners, comprising 91 percent of offenders, despite immigrants making up only 17 percent of the population. When considering both sexual assault and rape, 64.2 percent of inmates are foreign nationals. This demographic detail has sparked debate, with campaigners like Elena Ramallo criticizing media reports for not addressing the identity of aggressors.
The rapid increase in sexual violence has stretched the resources of specialized police units, such as the Family and Women’s Care Units (UFAM) of the National Police and the Women-Minor Teams (EMUME) of the Civil Guard. These units report being understaffed and overworked, handling a significantly higher workload than a decade ago without adequate support.
Government officials claim the rise is partly due to more women coming forward, avoiding the role of mass migration in the upward trend. Spain received more asylum claims than any other European Union (EU) member state bar Germany in 2024, although Germany is roughly 60 percent larger than Spain by population. Venezuelans are the leading nationality among Spanish claimants.
Notably, Germany also suffers from an extremely high migrant crime rate.
❓What Happened: Protests erupted in China after factory closures linked to President Donald J. Trump’s 145 percent tariff on Chinese goods.
👥 Who’s Involved: Chinese factory and construction workers, President Trump, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and China’s Commerce Ministry.
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📍 Where & When: Protests took place in Suining, Sichuan province, Hunan province, and Inner Mongolia, with workers complaining they have not been paid since the beginning of the year.
💬 Key Quote: President Trump has stated he will “lower” the tariff on China “at some point,” but for now the trade duties will remain in effect.
⚠️ Impact: The tariff has put approximately 16 million Chinese jobs at risk, leading to significant unrest among Chinese workers.
IN FULL:
Protests have erupted across China following the shutdown of several factories, a consequence of President Donald J. Trump’s 145 percent tariff on Chinese goods. The unrest has seen workers in various regions of China, including Suining in Sichuan province, Hunan province, and Inner Mongolia, take to the streets demanding unpaid wages and benefits.
The turmoil began when factory workers at an electronics plant in Suining protested over not receiving their pay. Similarly, hundreds of employees at Guangxin Sports Goods in Hunan province went on strike after the factory closed without settling wages or Social Security benefits. In Inner Mongolia, construction workers resorted to threatening suicide over unpaid dues, highlighting the severe financial strain faced by many.
The Chinese manufacturing sector is feeling the pinch as the government grapples with President Trump’s tariffs, which are intended to rebalance global trade in favor of American workers who have been undercut by China’s comparatively low pay and underhanded tactics such as currency manipulation. The manufacturing purchasing managers’ index reveals that new export orders in China have plummeted to their lowest since the COVID-19 pandemic, with manufacturing job numbers similarly declining to levels not seen since February 2024.
China’s National Bureau of Statistics attributes the downturn to “sharp changes in the external environment.” An estimated 16 million jobs across various Chinese industries are now at risk due to the tariffs.
In response, China has made moves to alleviate the economic strain by exempting approximately $40 billion worth of U.S. imports from its own 125 percent retaliatory tariffs. Despite ongoing behind-the-scenes discussions, formal trade negotiations between the U.S. and China have yet to materialize. President Trump, speaking on NBC’s Meet the Press, has expressed a willingness to “lower” the tariffs eventually, noting that China is eager to continue business.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has remarked that the trade war is “not sustainable on the Chinese side,” suggesting that the Chinese economy is already experiencing significant slowdowns. Meanwhile, companies are investing substantially in making products in America, so they will not be subject to import duties.
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By Popular Demand.
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❓What Happened: President Donald J. Trump announced a plan to impose tariffs on foreign-produced films, which the Teamsters Union is backing.
👥 Who’s Involved: President Trump, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Sean O’Brien, Lindsay Dougherty.
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📍 Where & When: The announcement was made recently, with the Teamsters responding shortly after.
💬 Key Quote: “We thank President Trump for boldly supporting good union jobs when others have turned their heads,” said Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien and Motion Picture Division Leader Lindsay Dougherty in a statement.
⚠️ Impact: The move aims to curb outsourcing in the film industry and has received positive feedback from a historically Democrat-aligned union.
IN FULL:
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters has strongly supported President Donald J. Trump‘s initiative to impose tariffs on films produced overseas, describing it as a “strong step” toward addressing the outsourcing of American jobs in the film industry. This endorsement came swiftly after Trump announced a proposed 100 percent tariff on foreign-produced movies entering the U.S.
In a joint statement, Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien and Motion Picture Division Leader Lindsay Dougherty commended the initiative, highlighting the detrimental impact of outsourcing on American workers. “For years, Hollywood studios have hollowed out the industry by following Corporate America’s crooked playbook of outsourcing good union jobs. Studios chase cheap production costs overseas while gutting the American workforce that built the film and TV industry,” O’Brien and Dougherty wrote. “These gigantic corporations line their pockets by recklessly cutting corners, abandoning American crews, and exploiting tax loopholes abroad. While these companies get rich fleeing to other countries and gaming the system, our members have gotten screwed over.”
“We thank President Trump for boldly supporting good union jobs when others have turned their heads. This is a strong step toward finally reining in the studios’ un-American addiction to outsourcing our members’ work,” O’Brien and Dougherty added.
During the 2024 presidential race, Trump received the backing of an overwhelming number of Teamster households. The union itself declined to endorse either candidate, although this was widely interpreted as a snub to the Democratic ticket rather than the Republican ticket.
Earlier this year, Trump appointed veteran actors Sylvester Stallone, Mel Gibson, and Jon Voight to spearhead efforts to revitalize Hollywood, aiming to make it “bigger, better, and stronger than ever before.”
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, founded in 1903, represents 1.3 million workers across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, and has long been vocal about the need to protect domestic jobs in the face of increasing globalization and outsourcing.
❓What Happened: House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) indicated that the deadline he has set to pass President Donald J. Trump’s domestic spending bill through the reconciliation process might be missed.
👥 Who’s Involved: House Speaker Mike Johnson, President Trump, and lawmakers on Capitol Hill.
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📍 Where & When: U.S. House of Representatives, with comments made late on Monday, May 5.
💬 Key Quote: Johnson stated the bill would be passed “shortly thereafter” if not by May 31.
⚠️ Impact: The budget reconciliation bill includes provisions making permanent the 2017 Trump tax cuts, new reductions in taxation, increased defense spending, and enhanced border security.
IN FULL:
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has announced a potential delay in the passage of President Donald J. Trump‘s domestic spending bill, initially slated for Memorial Day. Following a recent meeting with President Trump, Johnson acknowledged that the timeline for chamber committees to finalize their sections of the bill has been extended, with final passage potentially slipping into June.
The proposed budget includes significant measures such as tax reductions, a boost in defense expenditures, and heightened border security efforts. These elements reflect key priorities often emphasized by Republican leadership and align with President Trump’s policy objectives.
Johnson communicated that if the comprehensive bill is not approved by the initially set deadline of May 31, it will be finalized “shortly thereafter.” Currently, the primary hurdle facing the legislation is a breakdown in negotiations over the state and local tax deduction (SALT deduction). This has pitted Republican lawmakers in blue states against their colleagues. Notably, SALT was capped in the 2017 tax cut bill, which effectively increased taxes on residents in states with high state income taxes like New York. While House leadership has tried to put a positive spin on the SALT negotiations, it is widely known on Capitol Hill that the talks have made almost no significant progress, with some lawmakers suggesting they’ve broken down entirely.
If House negotiators are unable to reach a deal on the SALT caps and the reconciliation bill fails to move, Americans could face a significant tax increase as key provisions in Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) law sunset. This is adding an extra sense of urgency on Capitol Hill—especially among Republicans who realize they are unlikely to receive any help from Congressional Democrats.
The National Pulse reported last week that President Trump appears to be shifting away from foreign policy and refocusing his White House on the reconciliation bill and other domestic priorities. At a rally in Michigan last Tuesday, Trump turned up the pressure on Congress to adopt the reconciliation measure, promising: “In the coming weeks and months, we will pass the largest tax cuts in American History—and that will include No Tax on Tips, NO Tax on Social Security, and No Tax on Overtime. It’s called the one big beautiful bill.”
❓ What Happened: Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) told CNN he will not support Ed Martin’s nomination as the next U.S. Attorney for D.C., potentially derailing the America First law officer’s confirmation.
👥 Who’s Involved: Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), Ed Martin, President Donald J. Trump, Judge James Boasberg.
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📍 Where & When: Reported by CNN’s Chief Congressional Correspondent, Manu Raju, on May 6, 2025.
💬 Key Quote: Should the Senate reject Martin’s nomination, then “…the district court for such district may appoint a United States attorney to serve until the vacancy is filled. The order of appointment by the court shall be filed with the clerk of the court.” — 28 U.S. Code § 546
⚠️ Impact: Tillis’s opposition could block Martin’s nomination, paving the way for radical leftist Judge James Boasberg to take over the selection process and undermine President Donald J. Trump’s push for conservative law enforcement in the nation’s capital.
IN FULL:
Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) says he will not support U.S. Attorney Ed Martin for the next U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. Cites. Tillis’s opposition could derail Martin’s confirmation as the top attorney for D.C.—potentially paving the way for radical leftist District Court Judge James Boasberg to appoint his own choice for U.S. Attorney.
At the heart of the problem is a group of Republican-in-name-only (RINO) senators, including Tillis, who have joined with Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) in opposing Martin’s nomination. The Republican support has allowed Schiff, who is accused by the Department of Justice (DOJ) Inspector General of having actively leaked classified materials to the media to push the Russia hoax narrative against President Donald J. Trump, to sustain a hold on Martin’s permanent appointment. Most troubling, however, is that if the Martin nomination fails, an obscure provision in the U.S. Code would allow the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, led by Chief Judge James Boasberg, to step in and appoint its own choice for U.S. Attorney.
Under the vacancies clause found in 28 U.S. Code § 546, if a temporary appointment expires after 120 days, the current situation faced by Martin, “…the district court for such district may appoint a United States attorney to serve until the vacancy is filled. The order of appointment by the court shall be filed with the clerk of the court.” This means the left-leaning District Court, led by Trump opponent Boasberg, could step in and appoint Martin’s successor.
Notably, in recent months, Boasberg has worked to vastly expand the judiciary’s power over the executive branch, essentially dictating immigration and foreign policy to the Trump White House.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is offering free flights and a $1,000 stipend to illegal aliens who voluntarily leave the U.S. — a self-deportation program the agency says costs far less than traditional deportation.
The details: The program requires illegal aliens to register for self-deportation through the CBP Home App, and they only receive their stipend once it is verified that they have returned to their home country.
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President Trump told the press: “We’re gonna get them a beautiful flight back to where they came from.”
Cost savings: DHS says it currently costs the American taxpayer over $17,000 to arrest, detain, and deport a single illegal alien. Under this new, self-deportation program, it costs around $4,500—a 70 percent savings.
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller added on X: “The savings are as much as $1 million per illegal alien family given the long-term costs of free welfare and public support.”
What the left is saying: Pro-illegal groups are denouncing the plan and urging illegals to reject the offer. One activist, Aaron Reichlin, said: “This option might be WORSE… it would abandon clear options for staying.”
Zoom out: The plan is reminiscent of Trump’s effort to reduce the federal workforce by offering buyouts to government workers who voluntarily resigned, ultimately leading to 77,000 resignations. Pay a little up-front for long-term savings.
The last word goes to President Trump, who warned that those who do not take this offer “are going to be taken out of our country… And they will never get a path to come back in.”
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is offering free flights and a $1,000 stipend to illegal aliens who voluntarily leave the U.S. — a self-deportation program the agency says costs far less than traditional deportation.
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By Popular Demand.
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❓What Happened: Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, initiating the process to elect a new pope. This week, the College of Cardinals will meet for a conclave to elect the next successor of Saint Peter.
👥 Who’s Involved: 133 cardinal electors under the age of 80 will participate in the conclave to choose the next pope.
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📍 Where & When: The conclave begins on May 7, 2025, at the Vatican.
💬 Key Quote: “Every papal conclave comes down, in some sense, to a referendum on the papacy that has just ended,” said John Allen, editor of Crux.
⚠️ Impact: The election could either continue Pope Francis’s legacy or shift towards a more traditional, conservative direction.
IN FULL:
The Catholic Church is set to elect a new pope following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025. The conclave, consisting of 133 cardinal electors under the age of 80, will commence on May 7 at the Vatican to choose the next leader of the global Catholic community and successor to Saint Peter.
John Allen, a seasoned Vatican observer and editor of the Catholic news site Crux, remarked on the significance of this election, noting that each papal conclave reflects on the preceding papacy. “Every papal conclave comes down, in some sense, to a referendum on the papacy that has just ended,” Allen said in a recent mediainterview.
Among the potential successors to the late Pope Francis is Hungarian Cardinal Peter Erdo, the Archbishop of Budapest, known for his conservative views and balanced approach to immigration. The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo of Kinshasa, recognized for advocating social justice and orthodoxy, is also a contender. Cardinal Mario Grech from Malta, influential in synod operations, and Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, are also in the running, with Parolin noted for his diplomatic acumen.
Other notable candidates include Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the first Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem to be raised to the cardinalate and who has been active in interfaith dialogue, criticism of Israeli actions in Gaza, and social justice; and Cardinal Luis Tagle of the Philippines, often referred to as the “Asian Francis” for his alignment with Pope Francis’ values. Cardinal Matteo Zuppi from Italy and Sweden’s Cardinal Anders Arborelius of Stockholm—a convert to Catholicism from Lutheranism—are also considered potential successors, each bringing unique perspectives to the role.
In addition to Cardinal Ambongo, another African prelate, Cardinal Robert Sarah of Guinea, is believed to be a dark horse contender should the conclave swing in a more traditionalist direction.
❓What Happened: The Prime Minister of Romania, Marcel Ciolacu, announced his resignation following the first-round victory of conservative nationalist George Simion in the presidential election.
👥 Who’s Involved: Marcel Ciolacu, George Simion, Nicusor Dan, Calin Georgescu.
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📍 Where & When: Romania, resignation announced on Monday after Sunday’s election results.
💬 Key Quote: “Despite the obstacles, despite the manipulation, despite a press paid to demean us day after day, Romanians have stood up,” Simion stated.
⚠️ Impact: Romanian government bonds fell, and the political landscape could shift, affecting relationships with the EU and NATO.
IN FULL:
Following the first-round victory of George Simion, leader of the populist Alliance for the Union of Romanians, in Romania’s presidential election, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu has resigned. The announcement came in response to the electoral upset. The government will now be led by an interim premier as coalition parties deliberate on Ciolacu’s successor.
Simion, who identifies with a political philosophy akin to President Donald J. Trump’s, secured over 40 percent of the votes, outperforming expectations and increasing his chances of winning the presidency. “Despite the obstacles, despite the manipulation, despite a press paid to demean us day after day, Romanians have stood up,” Simion said following the win.
Simion will face Bucharest’s centrist mayor, Nicusor Dan, in a runoff scheduled for May 18. Simion’s first-round success has dramatically shifted betting market odds in his favor, with his probability of winning the second round now at 69 percent.
This election marks Romania’s second attempt to elect a president after last year’s election was annulled due to alleged Russian interference through TikTok. The unexpected victory of Calin Georgescu, a pro-Trump nationalist and NATO skeptic barred from the current race, previously plunged Romania into a political crisis, leading to widespread protests.
Despite his criticisms of the European Union (EU) and NATO, Simion has reassured that Romania will not exit either organization, emphasizing the importance of both for national security. “Eighty percent of the Romanians want NATO and want the European Union. This is not something we can negotiate,” Simion stated.
As Romania navigates this political transformation, the focus remains on whether Simion can maintain his momentum and secure victory in the upcoming runoff. The outcome could further align Romania with other conservative-populist European countries, such as Hungary and Slovakia.
❓What Happened: U.S. tariffs have led to increased demand for American-made goods as companies bring production back to the U.S. This boost has been felt especially among smaller manufacturers.
👥 Who’s Involved: President Donald J. Trump, U.S. manufacturers like Jergens Inc., Grand River Rubber & Plastics, SafeSource Direct, AccuRounds, Whirlpool, and Excel Dryer.
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📍 Where & When: Various U.S. locations, including Ohio, Illinois, Massachusetts, and Michigan, over recent weeks.
💬 Key Quote: “We are swamped. We are running 24 hours a day, seven days a week in both Chicago and Cleveland,” said Jack Schron, president of Jergens Inc.
⚠️ Impact: Smaller U.S. manufacturers are experiencing increased demand and potential growth, as tariffs level the playing field against foreign competitors.
IN FULL:
President Donald J. Trump‘s administration continues to push for a resurgence in American manufacturing, with recent tariffs boosting demand for American-made goods. This shift particularly benefits smaller domestic manufacturers as more companies decide to onshore production.
“We are swamped. We are running 24 hours a day, seven days a week in both Chicago and Cleveland,” says Jack Schron, president of Jergens Inc. The company is known for producing heavy-duty power and industrial tools, including industrial screwdrivers, clamps, and hoists. Schron added that his facilities are “going like gangbusters” to meet demand.
In Ohio, Donny Chaplin, president of Grand River Rubber & Plastics, has observed a notable increase in inquiries and orders. Some former clients, who had previously switched to Chinese suppliers, are returning to Grand River for rubber gaskets. New business from oil filter manufacturers seeking to move away from China could potentially bring in $5 million annually, driving the need for expansion and additional hires.
The tariffs have become a vital lifeline for companies that emerged during the pandemic to produce personal protective equipment. Alan Rust, chief growth officer for SafeSource Direct, noted a significant rise in inquiries as new tariffs on Chinese rubber gloves have doubled prices, prompting businesses to seek alternative sources.
Massachusetts-based AccuRounds is experiencing a similar uptick, with employees working overtime to fulfill rising orders for steel components. CEO Michael Tamasi revealed a 20 percent increase in first-quarter sales compared to the previous year.
Whirlpool, a Michigan-based appliance manufacturer, is optimistic about the recent tariffs on imported appliances. CEO Marc Bitzer believes these measures will help close the price gap created by Asian competitors who benefit from cheaper components and steel.
Excel Dryer in Massachusetts is also reaping the benefits of the tariffs. Chief Operating Officer William Gagnon credits the import taxes with improving production location decisions and enhancing competitiveness against cheaper foreign copies.
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By Popular Demand.
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❓What Happened: George Simion, a nationalist and supporter of President Donald J. Trump, won the first round of Romania’s presidential election redo by a significant margin.
👥 Who’s Involved: George Simion, leader of the Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR), and a globalist opponent in the upcoming runoff.
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📍 Where & When: Romania, with a runoff election scheduled for May 18.
💬 Key Quote: “For 35 years, the Romanian people lived the lie that we are a democratic country,” Simion said. “And now the people are awakening.”
⚠️ Impact: A Simion presidency could shift Romania’s geopolitical stance within the European Union (EU) and NATO, challenging the status quo.
IN FULL:
George Simion, a nationalist figure and supporter of President Donald J. Trump, has emerged victorious in the first round of Romania’s presidential election redo. The courts canceled the first attempted election, in which NATO skeptic Calin Georgescu won the first round, on the dubious pretext that Russia had influenced voters through TikTok videos. Georgescu was eventually barred from running again in the do-over.
Simion, 38, leads the Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR), a party known for its right-wing stance. His win comes amid a wave of anti-establishment sentiment sweeping the nation.
Simion’s victory sets the stage for a May 18 runoff against a globalist candidate, a contest that could significantly influence Romania’s future alignment within the European Union (EU) and NATO. The political scene in Romania was shaken last year when the top court annulled the previous election, citing alleged Russian interference, claims that Moscow has denied.
Born in Focsani in 1986, Simion pursued higher education in business and administration, as well as studying communist-era crimes. His activism includes protesting against a Canadian company’s gold mining project and advocating for the reunification with Moldova. In 2019, Simion founded the AUR party, which has grown to become Romania’s second-largest legislative force. The party opposes same-sex marriage and maintains strong ties with the Romanian Orthodox Church.
Simion aligns his party with Trump’s Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement, emphasizing an anti-establishment agenda. During the COVID-19 pandemic, AUR organized protests against vaccination and lockdowns, tapping into public distrust of authorities.
He criticized last year’s canceled election as a “coup d’etat” and vowed to restore democracy and the rule of law. “For 35 years, the Romanian people lived the lie that we are a democratic country,” Simion said.
A potential Simion challenges the political status quo in Europe. Simion insists on a strong NATO presence in Eastern Europe while opposing further military aid to Ukraine. He also advocates for more autonomy for EU member states, aligning with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s views.
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