Centrist candidate Nicușor Dan has been elected President of Romania after defeating conservative rival George Simion within the second spherical of voting held on Could 18.
Dan, at the moment the mayor of Bucharest, secured 53.60 per cent of the greater than 11.6 million votes solid, turning into the nation’s new head of state.
‘Remontada’ in Romanian elections: Nicușor Dan, the brand new president
His victory marks a shocking turnaround. Simply two weeks earlier, within the first spherical of elections, Simion had emerged because the clear favorite, successful practically 41 per cent of the vote. Dan had solely managed 21 per cent, narrowly advancing to the runoff forward of Nationwide Liberal Get together (PNL) candidate Crin Antonescu.
Assured of victory, Simion prematurely declared himself the brand new president on Sunday evening, saying: “I gained, I’m the brand new president of Romania and I’m giving again energy to the Romanians.” However the ultimate outcomes informed a special story.
Within the two weeks between rounds, Simion misplaced important political floor. Regardless of sturdy diaspora assist — 1.64 million Romanians voted overseas and he largely dominated in nations like Spain (68.3% from round 190 thousand votes), the UK (55% from round 260 thousand votes ), Germany, France, Italy, Norway, and Iceland — his marketing campaign faltered at residence.
So, what went mistaken for George Simion?
Amongst different errors, Simion skipped a number of televised debates and gave a controversial look on French tv the place he criticised Emmanuel Macron, calling him a “dictator”, and claimed the French “had misplaced God.”
He additionally repeatedly attacked his opponent. Simion known as Dan “a poor autistic” and warned he would “deal individually” with Dan’s voters after the election. He finally appeared in only one TV debate and made a ultimate marketing campaign push alongside Călin Georgescu, winner of the annulled December 2024 election.
Credit score: Artistic Commons
Simion, recognized for his roots in soccer extremely tradition, had leaned closely on Georgescu’s nationalist enchantment and rhetoric about Romania’s pure wealth and independence from overseas affect. In 2024, Simion was banned from coming into Ukraine for “systematic anti-Ukrainian actions,” in accordance with Kyiv. He has additionally known as for the “Melonisation” of Europe, referencing Italy’s PM Giorgia Meloni.
Nicușor Dan, a mathematician with pro-European views
In the meantime, Nicușor Dan stored his cool, showing regularly on tv to stipulate his platform — pro-European, economically pragmatic, and targeted on continuity. “We have to construct Romania collectively, no matter who you voted for,” Dan mentioned after victory was confirmed. “Romania now begins a brand new chapter. Beginning tomorrow, we get to work.”
The 55-year-old mathematician ran as an impartial in these elections, backed by his former get together, USR, and the Nationwide Liberal Get together (PNL). His supporters gathered in central Bucharest to have a good time his win.
European leaders have been fast to congratulate him. French President Emmanuel Macron, Polish PM Donald Tusk, and Moldova’s Maia Sandu all despatched messages of assist. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised Dan’s “historic victory” and Romania’s function as a “dependable accomplice.” European Fee President Ursula von der Leyen mentioned: “The Romanian folks have chosen the promise of an open, affluent Romania in a robust Europe. Collectively, let’s ship on that promise.”