Centrist candidate Nicușor Dan has been elected President of Romania after defeating conservative rival George Simion in the second round of voting held on May 18.
Dan, currently the mayor of Bucharest, secured 53.60 per cent of the more than 11.6 million votes cast, becoming the country’s new head of state.
‘Remontada’ in Romanian elections: Nicușor Dan, the new president
His victory marks a stunning turnaround. Just two weeks earlier, in the first round of elections, Simion had emerged as the clear favourite, winning nearly 41 per cent of the vote. Dan had only managed 21 per cent, narrowly advancing to the runoff ahead of National Liberal Party (PNL) candidate Crin Antonescu.
Confident of victory, Simion prematurely declared himself the new president on Sunday night, saying: “I won, I am the new president of Romania and I am giving back power to the Romanians.” But the final results told a different story.
In the two weeks between rounds, Simion lost significant political ground. Despite strong diaspora support — 1.64 million Romanians voted abroad and he largely dominated in countries like Spain (68.3% from around 190 thousand votes), the UK (55% from around 260 thousand votes ), Germany, France, Italy, Norway, and Iceland — his campaign faltered at home.
So, what went wrong for George Simion?
Among other mistakes, Simion skipped multiple televised debates and gave a controversial appearance on French television where he criticised Emmanuel Macron, calling him a “dictator”, and claimed the French “had lost God.”
He also repeatedly attacked his opponent. Simion called Dan “a poor autistic” and warned he would “deal individually” with Dan’s voters after the election. He eventually appeared in just one TV debate and made a final campaign push alongside Călin Georgescu, winner of the annulled December 2024 election.
Simion, known for his roots in football ultra culture, had leaned heavily on Georgescu’s nationalist appeal and rhetoric about Romania’s natural wealth and independence from foreign influence. In 2024, Simion was banned from entering Ukraine for “systematic anti-Ukrainian activities,” according to Kyiv. He has also called for the “Melonisation” of Europe, referencing Italy’s PM Giorgia Meloni.
Nicușor Dan, a mathematician with pro-European views
Meanwhile, Nicușor Dan kept his cool, appearing frequently on television to outline his platform — pro-European, economically pragmatic, and focused on continuity. “We need to build Romania together, irrespective of who you voted for,” Dan said after victory was confirmed. “Romania now begins a new chapter. Starting tomorrow, we get to work.”
The 55-year-old mathematician ran as an independent in these elections, backed by his former party, USR, and the National Liberal Party (PNL). His supporters gathered in central Bucharest to celebrate his win.
European leaders were quick to congratulate him. French President Emmanuel Macron, Polish PM Donald Tusk, and Moldova’s Maia Sandu all sent messages of support. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised Dan’s “historic victory” and Romania’s role as a “reliable partner.” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: “The Romanian people have chosen the promise of an open, prosperous Romania in a strong Europe. Together, let’s deliver on that promise.”
