In a surprising turn of events, Romania’s centrist Bucharest mayor, Nicușor Dan, emerged victorious in the country’s presidential election, defeating a hard-right nationalist rival who advocated for policies reminiscent of those of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Official results from nearly all voting precincts indicated that Mr. Dan received approximately 54% of the votes in the EU and NATO member nation, which has a population of about 19 million, while Trump supporter George Simion accrued 46%.
Mr. Dan, 55, a soft-spoken mathematician, surged to the forefront in the final days of the campaign after trailing Mr. Simion, a Eurosceptic who aimed to halt military assistance to Ukraine amidst its conflict with Russia.
The election boasted the highest voter turnout in Romania in 25 years.
Mr. Simion, the leading candidate in the first round of voting two weeks prior with 41% of ballots, conceded after initially declaring himself the winner.
Mr. Dan campaigned on a commitment to combat widespread corruption, provide ongoing support for Ukraine, and ensure that Romania remains firmly rooted in the European mainstream.
George Simion conceded after earlier claiming election victory.
Last evening in Bucharest, Mr. Dan’s supporters chanted, “Russia, don’t forget, Romania isn’t yours.”
Mr. Dan, a staunch supporter of the EU and NATO, emphasized in the lead-up to the election that Romania’s backing for Ukraine was vital for securing its own safety against an escalating Russian threat.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated Mr. Dan on his “historic victory,” stating on social media: “For Ukraine – as a neighbor and friend – it is important to have Romania as a reliable partner.”
Read more: Romania’s presidential election delivers a surprise result.
The voting in Romania coincided with the first round of a Polish election where liberal frontrunner, Rafal Trzaskowski, edged past nationalist candidate Karol Nawrocki, endorsed by the opposition’s Law and Justice (PiS) party.
Both elections are being monitored closely across Europe amid concerns that public dissatisfaction with mainstream elites regarding migration and living costs could bolster support for figures like Mr. Trump and undermine continental unity in addressing Russia.
‘A challenging period ahead’
Mr. Dan acknowledged the significant challenges he faces in securing a prime minister capable of negotiating a parliamentary majority to reduce Romania’s budget deficit—currently the largest in the EU—and to restore investor confidence while avoiding a credit rating downgrade.
“A difficult period lies ahead, necessary for economic rebalancing to establish a foundation for a healthy society. Please remain hopeful and patient,” Mr. Dan addressed his supporters after exit polls indicated his lead.
He later mentioned that discussions could take several weeks.
The election occurred nearly six months after the original ballot was canceled due to alleged Russian interference—denied by Russian authorities—in favor of far-right frontrunner Calin Georgescu, who was barred from running again.
A crowd of Mr. Dan’s supporters cheered his victory outside his campaign headquarters in Bucharest.
Had Mr. Georgescu been successful, Romania may have shifted towards Russia, and Mr. Simion built a campaign that would benefit from his support, indicating he would nominate him as prime minister if victorious.
Shortly after voting concluded, Mr. Simion declared, “I won!!! I am the new President of Romania, returning power to the Romanians!” However, he conceded later that evening.
Supporters of Mr. Dan celebrated his victory outside his campaign headquarters in downtown Bucharest.
The President of Romania holds significant powers, including overseeing the defense council responsible for military aid decisions.
The president also supervises foreign policy and possesses the authority to veto EU votes requiring unanimity.
Political analysts warned that a victory for Mr. Simion could have led to Romania’s international isolation, a decline in private investment, and destabilization of NATO’s eastern front.
Moreover, it would have aligned Hungary’s vehemently anti-immigrant leader, Viktor Orban, a longtime Trump ally, and Slovakia’s Robert Fico—both opposing military support for Ukraine—gaining a new ally in the European Council on decisions regarding aid for Ukraine, energy, sanctions against Russia, or the EU’s budget.
