Bucharest mayor defeats far-right challenger George Simion amid high voter turnout and allegations of foreign interference.
Nicusor Dan, the centrist mayor of Bucharest, secured a surprise victory on Sunday in Romania’s tense presidential election re-run, defeating far-right nationalist George Simion, according to near-complete results.
The vote was considered pivotal for the future direction of the European Union and NATO member state, which shares a border with war-torn Ukraine.
The re-run took place five months after Romania’s Constitutional Court annulled the previous election due to allegations of Russian interference and the mass promotion of the far-right favorite on social media. That candidate was barred from running again.
Dan, who campaigned on a platform for an “honest Romania,” won over 54 percent of the vote, while Simion, a vocal admirer of former U.S. President Donald Trump, garnered close to 46 percent, according to nearly complete tallies.
Voter turnout surged to nearly 65 percent, a notable increase from the 53 percent recorded in the first round on May 4, in which Simion had emerged as the leading candidate.
Both candidates initially claimed victory, but Simion conceded defeat hours later.
Addressing jubilant supporters gathered in a Bucharest park, the 55-year-old Dan declared that Romania’s “reconstruction” would begin on Monday, calling the result “a moment of hope.”
“In today’s election, a community of Romanians won—those who want profound change in Romania,” Dan said.
Meanwhile, Simion, 38, told cheering followers outside Parliament, “I am the new president of Romania,” and urged voters to “not allow any electoral fraud.”
The Romanian government reported the presence of a “viral fake news campaign” exhibiting “signs of Russian interference,” after Telegram founder Pavel Durov claimed that France had requested the silencing of Romanian conservative voices.
France’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs “categorically rejected” Durov’s accusations.
Both Simion and Dan ran on platforms advocating change for the country of 19 million, amid widespread frustration with the corruption-plagued political class that has governed Romania since the fall of communism 35 years ago.
Dan’s victory triggered a wave of congratulations from European leaders, who praised his commitment to the rule of law, democracy, and European values.
French President Emmanuel Macron hailed Dan’s triumph and stressed that, “despite numerous manipulation attempts,” Romanians had chosen “democracy, the rule of law, and the European Union.” In a post on X, Macron revealed that he personally called the president-elect and reaffirmed France’s commitment to working with Romania “for a stronger, more sovereign, and more independent Europe.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called Dan’s win “historic” and underscored the importance of having a “reliable partner” in a neighboring country. “We can overcome any challenge if we are united and strong,” Zelensky wrote, thanking Romania for its support since the start of Russia’s invasion.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also welcomed the election results. “Long live free Romania!” the liberal leader wrote in a brief but symbolic message on X, calling the outcome a defeat for nationalism.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez echoed that sentiment, saying “Romania wins and so does the EU. The far right loses.” In his post, Sánchez congratulated Dan and expressed eagerness to work with him in the European Council.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa also extended their congratulations.
“My heartfelt congratulations to Nicusor Dan for tonight’s victory. The Romanian people turned out en masse to vote,” von der Leyen stated on social media.
Costa, referring to Dan’s trajectory, commented: “From City Hall to the European Council table.” He added, “My sincere congratulations to Nicusor Dan on winning the Romanian presidential election. This is a clear sign of the Romanian people’s commitment to the European project,” expressing his desire “to work with you for a better Europe and a better Romania.”
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