In a decisive moment for Romania and the wider European political landscape, pro-European reformist Nicușor Dan emerged victorious in the country’s presidential runoff on Sunday, defeating right-wing rival George Simion with nearly 54% of the vote.
Dan, an independent and the current mayor of Bucharest, celebrated with supporters after the final count, calling the outcome a testament to “the incredible power of Romanian society.”
He emphasized unity and reform, urging the nation to brace for tough but necessary economic changes.
The race had taken a sharp turn after Simion, a vocal admirer of Donald Trump and critic of EU and NATO policies, dominated the first round earlier this month.
However, Dan surged in popularity following a televised debate where he outperformed his opponent.
Simion, known for opposing aid to Ukraine and appealing to Romania’s diaspora, conceded defeat late Sunday but vowed to continue his “sovereigntist” movement.
“We lost this battle, but we will never lose our war,” he declared in a video on X (formerly Twitter).
🇷🇴We will continue our fight for freedom and our great values along with other patriots, sovereignists and conservatives all over the world.
— 🇷🇴 George Simion 🇲🇩 (@georgesimion) May 18, 2025
We may have lost a battle, but we will certainly not lose the war.
God bless you all ❤️! pic.twitter.com/rMYeRc2JXj
This runoff was called after the initial January vote—won by a now-disqualified far-right candidate—was nullified due to alleged Russian interference. Over 10 million Romanians cast ballots in what analysts called a symbolic East vs. West referendum.
European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, swiftly congratulated Dan.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky called the result a “historic victory” and reaffirmed Romania’s role as a “reliable partner.”
Dan has pledged continued support for Ukraine, deeper NATO integration, and a crackdown on corruption.
His victory is widely seen as a rejection of Trump-style nationalism and a commitment to the European project.
A fost o mobilizare fără precedent și, de aceea, victoria este a fiecăruia dintre voi. A fiecărui român care a ieșit la vot, și-a făcut vocea auzită și a luptat astfel pentru ceea ce crede, pentru țara pe care o vrea și în care își dorește să trăiască. De mâine, începem… pic.twitter.com/Fuyz87DIlQ
— Nicușor Dan (@NicusorDanRO) May 18, 2025
While Romania’s foreign ministry warned of attempted disinformation campaigns during the vote, Dan’s win signals a resilient democratic pushback.
“The Romanian people chose the promise of a strong, open Europe,” said von der Leyen.
Romania, it seems, has chosen reform over regression—and a westward gaze in an increasingly fractured continent.
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