Simion, the founder and leader of the far-right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR), has refused to accept the outcome, posting a defiant message on social media after polls closed:
By Afolabi Ayodele
In a stunning political upset, Nicușor Dan, a pro-European reformist and current mayor of Bucharest, has emerged victorious in Romania’s presidential runoff election, defeating far-right populist George Simion despite trailing significantly in the first round just weeks ago.
Dan, 55, an independent candidate and former mathematician known for his anti-corruption stance and strong alignment with the European Union and NATO, managed to overturn a nearly 20-point deficit to claim the presidency. Speaking shortly after securing the win, he offered a unifying message:
“We must build Romania together, regardless of who you voted for.”
The results mark a dramatic turnaround from the first round of voting, where 38-year-old Simion secured 40.96% of the vote—far ahead of Dan. Despite the surprising reversal, Dan’s appeal to urban voters, the diaspora, and centrist constituents carried him to an unexpected triumph.
Simion, the founder and leader of the far-right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR), has refused to accept the outcome, posting a defiant message on social media after polls closed:
“I won!!! I am the new President of Romania and I am giving back the power to the Romanians!”
He claimed that internal estimates put him ahead by 400,000 votes, though no evidence has yet been provided to support this allegation. His campaign, heavily inspired by former U.S. President Donald Trump, focused on nationalism, anti-globalism, and skepticism toward the EU.
This year’s election was already under close scrutiny after Romania’s previous presidential vote was annulled by the constitutional court over alleged foreign interference linked to Russia. The disqualified frontrunner in that race, nationalist Călin Georgescu, had been accused of violating election protocols.
Voter turnout in Sunday’s decisive round was notably strong, with 64% of eligible voters, approximately 11.6 million people, casting their ballots. An additional 1.64 million Romanians abroad also participated—many of whom played a pivotal role in swaying the outcome toward Dan.
Speaking after his confirmed victory, Dan delivered a hopeful message to the nation:
“Elections are not about politicians, but about communities. And today, a community of Romanians has won—those who demand real, lasting change.”
He also acknowledged those who supported his opponent:
“There is a community that lost today, a community rightfully angry at how politics has been conducted in Romania. Let us not ignore their voice.”
As Europe closely watches the rise of far-right movements, Dan’s victory is being interpreted as a rebuke of populism and a reaffirmation of Romania’s commitment to European integration, democratic values, and regional stability—particularly regarding support for neighboring Ukraine.
With Romania now heading in a new direction, all eyes will be on President-elect Dan to deliver on his promises of transparency, reform, and national unity in a deeply divided political landscape.
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