Bucharest, Romania – February 9, 2026 – George Simion, the leader of the AUR party, is responding to accusations leveled against him by Romanian businessman Dragoș Sprînceană, who claims Simion actively lobbied to have Romania removed from the Visa Waiver program. The controversy is unfolding as political tensions rise in Romania, and is drawing attention to the country’s relationship with the United States.
Sprînceană, a Romanian entrepreneur based in the U.S., publicly accused Simion of “betraying the country” and working against Romania’s interests in securing visa-free travel to the United States. Simion vehemently denies the allegations.
“Lies. The ground is falling out from under their feet,” Simion posted on social media, responding to Sprînceană’s claims. He insists he has not engaged in any lobbying efforts to jeopardize Romania’s participation in the Visa Waiver program. According to Digi24, Simion believes these accusations are a tactic to “exhaust” him and his party.
Simion further stated he did not pay for meetings with former U.S. President Donald Trump, nor did he attempt to purchase influence within the United States. He also denied reports of being intoxicated during any meetings with American officials. “I wasn’t in discussions while intoxicated and I didn’t seize Romania out of the Visa Waiver program. I don’t even need to tell you that,” he said.
The accusations come as Simion and the AUR party are gaining prominence in Romanian politics. He suggests the attacks are linked to a recent, critical report from the U.S. Congress questioning the legitimacy of the current Romanian government. “For when we come to power, every truth from the last 10-20 years will be known to every Romanian. That’s what I promise you,” Simion declared.
Sprînceană’s claims, initially made in January 2025, allege that Simion admitted to lobbying against Romania’s inclusion in the Visa Waiver program during a meeting in Bucharest, as reported by Unica.ro. He reportedly did so to gain political capital against the ruling coalition.
Another report from Antena 3 CNN details Sprînceană’s accusations, stating the businessman believes Simion spent millions of dollars attempting to build connections and a favorable image in the U.S.
The situation is prompting calls for investigation. Senator Sorin Șipoș has requested that Romania’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SIE) disclose any information they possess regarding Simion’s actions, according to Investigatoria.
As the political landscape in Romania continues to evolve, these accusations and denials are likely to fuel further debate and scrutiny of key political figures.
