Romania: Nicusor Dan, the liberal and pro-European mayor of Bucharest, has won the Romanian presidency in a tense run-off election. He defeated far-right nationalist George Simion in a vote that followed months of political instability.
With 53.6 percent of the vote, Nicusor Dan secured his place as Romania’s new president. More than 11.5 million Romanians turned out on Sunday, with over six million backing the liberal candidate. Dan’s win came despite a strong challenge from George Simion, the leader of the far-right AUR party, who had won the first round earlier this month. His success had been fuelled by public anger over last year’s annulled election, which was scrapped due to allegations of Russian interference.
Nicusor Dan said that, “A community of Romanians who want a profound change in Romania won. I want to choose the pro-European way. It’s the only way. It’s really important.” Dan waited until after midnight to be certain of his win. Supporters gathered outside City Hall in Bucharest, where they chanted his name and celebrated with cheers. Both Moldovan President Maia Sandu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated Dan.
“Moldova and Romania stand together, supporting one another and working side by side for a peaceful, democratic, and European future for all our citizens,” said Maia Sandu.
Zelensky remarked that, “For Ukraine, as a neighbour and friend, it is important to have Romania as a reliable partner.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised the election, stated that Romanians had chosen the promise of an open, prosperous Romania in a strong Europe.
Simion had hoped for an upset, banking on strong support from the diaspora, where he led in countries such as Spain (68.5 percent), Italy (66.8 percent), Germany (67 percent), and the UK. He initially claimed victory, stating, “I won, I am the new president of Romania and I am giving back power to the Romanians.”
During his campaign, Simion appeared alongside Calin Georgescu, a far-right figure who had won the annulled first round last year through a viral TikTok campaign. Georgescu was later barred from running again due to fraud claims, which Russia denied.Although Simion lost, his strong following suggests that nationalist ideas still hold sway for many Romanians.
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