Centrifying candidate Nicușor Dan was elected president of Romania after defeating conservative rival George Simion in the second round of the poll held on May 18th.
Dan, now mayor of Bucharest, has secured 53.60% of the votes with over 11.6 million votes, becoming the country’s new head of state.
“Remontada” by Etrick in Romania: Nicij. ,president
His victory shows a spectacular turnaround. In the first round of the election just two weeks ago, Simion emerged as a clear favorite, winning almost 41% of the vote. Dan only had 21% control and had narrowly advanced to the spill ahead of National Liberal Party (PNL) candidate Crin Antonescu.
Convinced to the victory, Simion declared midway on Sunday night to the new president, saying, “I won, I am the new president of Romania and I am giving back the strength to the Romanians.” However, the final result spoke a different story.
Within two weeks between the rounds, Simion lost a significant political foundation. Despite Diaspora’s strong support, 1.64 million Romanians voted overseas, and his campaign took place at home, Spain (about 190,000 votes to 68.3%), the UK (about 260,000 votes to 55%), Germany, France, Italy, Norway and Iceland.
So, what was wrong with George Simion?
Among other mistakes, Simion skipped multiple television debates, gave him a controversial look on French television, criticising Emmanuel Macron, calling him a “dictator,” and claiming that the French “lost God.”
He also repeatedly attacked his opponent. Simion called Dan “poor autism” and warned him that he would “trade individually” with Dan’s voters after the election. He eventually appeared in one television debate, and made the final campaign push alongside Karin Georgek, the dismissal of the December 2024 election.
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Known for its ultra-cultural roots in soccer, Simion leaned heavily towards Georgek’s nationalistic appeal and rhetoric about Romanian natural wealth and independence from foreign influences. In 2024, Simion was banned from entering Ukraine for “systematic anti-urein activities.” He also refers to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, seeking European “melonia.”
Nicoa Dan, a mathematician with a European view
Meanwhile, Nicușor Dan has frequently appeared on television to outline his platform, focusing on Europeans, economically practical and continuity. “No matter who you vote, we need to build Romania together,” Dan said after the victory was confirmed. “Romania is now starting a new chapter. Starting tomorrow, we’ll start working.”
The 55-year-old mathematician ran as an independent in these elections, supported by his former parties, the USR and the National Liberal Party (PNL). His supporters gathered in central Bucharest to celebrate his victory.
European leaders blessed him. French President Emmanuel Macron, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tass and Moldova’s Maia Sandou all sent messages of support. Ukrainian President Voldimir Zelensky praised Dan’s “historic victory” and Romania’s role as a “trusted partner.” “The Romanians chose the promise of Romania, which has thrived open and prospered in strong Europe. Let’s work together to fulfill that promise.”
