Romania’s centrist Bucharest mayor, Nicusor Dan, has won the country’s presidential election in a surprise upset over a hard-right nationalist rival who had pledged to follow US President Donald Trump’s politics.
In the final round of voting, official results showed Dan garnering 54% of ballots cast by voters, while his opponent George Simion secured 46%. The election drew the highest voter turnout in a Romanian presidential election in 25 years, with nearly all voting stations reporting the outcome.
Dan campaigned on a pledge to fight corruption, maintain support for Ukraine in its war with Russia, and keep Romania firmly within the European mainstream. His victory is seen as a rejection of Trump’s populist politics and a reaffirmation of Romania’s commitment to EU and NATO values.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy congratulated Dan on his historic victory, saying it was crucial for Ukraine’s security against Russia. The election outcome has significant implications for European politics, particularly with regards to migration and the cost of living, which have been major concerns in recent years.
Dan faces a tough challenge in forming a government and addressing Romania’s large budget deficit, but has vowed to work towards economic rebalancing and a “healthy society”. The election is seen as an important test of European democracy and a reaffirmation of the continent’s values.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/romanians-vote-presidential-run-off-that-could-widen-eu-rifts-2025-05-17