Pro-EU Nicusor Dan Wins Romania’s Presidential Election/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Centrist reformist Nicușor Dan won Romania’s presidential election in a surprise victory over nationalist rival George Simion, signaling a renewed commitment to the EU and NATO. Despite the pro-European win, deep political and social fault lines remain after a tense and polarizing campaign. Dan now faces the challenge of forming a government and delivering reforms amid rising populist influence.
Romanian Election Reset: Quick Looks
- Nicușor Dan wins presidency with 53.6% in runoff against George Simion.
- The vote was widely viewed as a choice between East and West.
- High turnout (64.7%) and diaspora votes helped tilt result toward Dan.
- Dan ran on a pro-European, anti-corruption platform.
- Simion channeled nationalist, anti-establishment anger and allied with banned far-right figure.
- Romania remains divided, with over 5 million votes for far-right candidates.
- Dan must nominate a prime minister and form a stable coalition.
- Romania plays a key NATO role on Russia’s border and supports Ukraine.
- EU leaders welcomed Dan’s win as a defeat for extremism.
- Challenges remain in governance, reform, and countering populist momentum.
Pro-EU Nicusor Dan Wins Romania’s Presidential Election
Deep Look
Romania’s New Pro-EU President Signals Westward Pivot Amid Political Turmoil
BUCHAREST — In a stunning reversal of first-round results, centrist reformer Nicușor Dan has been elected president of Romania, defeating nationalist firebrand George Simion in a vote seen as a referendum on the country’s direction — toward Brussels and NATO, or nationalism and authoritarianism.
Final election results gave Dan 53.6% of the vote, securing the presidency of a strategically important EU and NATO member on the edge of the Russian sphere of influence.
East or West? Romania’s Defining Vote
Dan’s victory capped a dramatic political comeback, overturning Simion’s strong first-round lead. The result reflected widespread voter concern over the rising populist tide and signaled a collective decision to reaffirm Romania’s Western alignment — at least for now.
Simion, who ran as a self-styled Romanian version of Donald Trump, campaigned on sovereignty, nationalism, and anti-EU rhetoric. He drew support from disaffected voters angry about corruption, inflation, and globalism.
Dan, a 55-year-old former mathematician and current mayor of Bucharest, is known for battling illegal real estate schemes and advocating transparency, institutional reform, and stronger EU ties.
“This is a new chapter,” Dan told supporters Monday. “It’s one that needs civil society, new leadership, and public engagement from all corners of Romania.”
Voter Turnout and Diaspora Surge
The second round saw the highest turnout in 25 years, reaching 64.7%, with roughly 1.6 million diaspora ballots cast — largely favoring Dan.
The diaspora, composed of 4–5 million Romanians living mostly in Western Europe, was key to swinging the result. Many left after Romania’s EU accession in 2007, driven by economic instability, but remain politically active.
Simion’s alliance with banned far-right leader Călin Georgescu, whose previous victory was nullified by court order due to Russian interference, may have further alarmed moderates and triggered turnout spikes.
Post-Election Challenges and a Divided Nation
Despite the win, Dan inherits a fractured political landscape. He must now appoint a prime minister able to form a government in a deeply polarized parliament.
Political analyst Cristian Andrei noted that the election didn’t erase Romania’s divisions. “He’ll face pushback from a hostile bureaucracy and populist parties energized by Simion’s 5 million votes,” Andrei warned.
Dan campaigned as a political outsider, yet must now steer the establishment from within. His ability to deliver tangible reforms and tackle corruption will determine how long his mandate endures.
Romania’s Strategic Role in Europe and NATO
As one of NATO’s easternmost members and a critical node in the alliance’s defense posture against Russia, Romania is pivotal to regional security. Since the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Romania has hosted NATO troops and sent a Patriot missile system to Kyiv.
Dan said Monday he spoke with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, reaffirming Romania’s commitment to the alliance: “We are a steadfast ally, and NATO is our cornerstone of security.”
His election is likely to ease tensions in Brussels, where officials had grown uneasy with Romania’s drift toward extremism and instability in recent months.
Reaction in Brussels and Beyond
Siegfried Mureșan, a Romanian MEP, said the vote was seen in EU circles as a rebuke of nationalism and a return to predictability.
“There was an erosion of credibility in the last year,” Mureșan told AP. “That is partly restored now through Dan’s clear victory.”
He noted, however, that Dan’s support base will expect quick movement on promised reforms: “People rallied behind Europe and against extremism. Now the hard part begins.”
The vote also drew global attention amid signs that a second Trump presidency could reframe U.S. commitments in Europe, making Romania’s pro-NATO stance even more essential.
