In a landmark election that defied expectations and captivated Europe, Bucharest Mayor Nicușor Dan has won Romania’s presidential race, defeating nationalist contender George Simion in a dramatic second-round upset.
With nearly all votes counted, Dan secured approximately 54% of ballots, edging out Simion, a hard-right populist and vocal supporter of former U.S. President Donald Trump, who garnered 46%.
The win marks a significant moment for Romania, a European Union and NATO member of nearly 19 million people, and comes at a time of heightened political anxiety across the continent over the rise of far-right movements.
Dan, a 55-year-old mathematician known for his calm demeanor and anti-corruption stance, surged in the final days of the campaign after trailing Simion for weeks.
READ ALSO: Oil Prices Dip Amid U.S. Credit Downgrade
Simion, who had led the first round of voting with 41%, ran on a platform of euroscepticism, nationalism, and a pledge to halt Romania’s military support for Ukraine — positions that echoed Trump’s political playbook.
Despite initially claiming victory, Simion conceded on Sunday night, acknowledging the unexpected strength of Dan’s late campaign momentum.
Voter turnout reached its highest level in 25 years, reflecting the high stakes of the election. The result is widely seen as a public rejection of far-right populism and an endorsement of Romania’s continued alignment with European democratic values.
Crowds in Bucharest erupted in cheers after the win, chanting “Russia, don’t forget, Romania isn’t yours” — a direct rebuke of Moscow’s aggression in Ukraine and a signal of solidarity with Kyiv.
Dan campaigned on maintaining Romania’s strategic role in supporting Ukraine, strengthening EU ties, and pushing forward with anti-corruption reforms. His message resonated not only in urban centers but also among moderate voters concerned about Romania drifting toward authoritarianism.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was among the first to congratulate Dan, calling the victory “historic” and underscoring the importance of Romania as a “reliable partner” for Ukraine.
READ ALSO: Metaplanet Increases Bitcoin Holdings to 7,800 BTC
The Romanian election was held on the same day as Poland’s first-round presidential vote, where liberal candidate Rafał Trzaskowski pulled ahead of a nationalist rival. Analysts suggest both elections reflect growing voter resistance to MAGA-style politics in Europe.
“This is a really strong result for the pro-European candidate,” said Mujtaba Rahman, managing director for Europe at Eurasia Group. “It’s another example of the positive Trump effect on European election cycles, where fear of MAGA-style governance has galvanized support for centrist, democratic candidates.”
As Romania prepares for a new chapter under President-elect Nicușor Dan, the vote sends a clear message across the continent: pro-European, democratic values remain a potent force in the face of rising populism.
Discover more from Scoop Hub
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.