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For years, Romanian politics has been primarily dominated by two major parties: the center-left Social Democratic Party and the center-right National Liberal Party. Their patronage-driven politics have contributed to an anti-establishment sentiment, particularly in poorer regions, thereby opening the door for alternative parties to emerge. The Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) is one such party that has gained significant traction. Founded by George Simeon, the AUR has positioned itself as a far-right alternative, garnering attention for its controversial stances on various issues, including its opposition to same-sex marriage and EU climate policies.