Romania reaffirms EU ties as Nicuşor Dan defeats far-right rival

Nicuşor Dan, the centrist and independent mayor of Bucharest, has begun consultations with Romania’s political parties, according to reports from The Guardian, May 19, 2025.

This is supposedly in an effort to form a new majority government after securing a surprise victory in the country’s presidential election.

The result was reportedly met with considerable relief throughout the European Union.

According to official figures released Monday, Dan won 53.6% of the vote in the runoff, defeating his far-right challenger George Simion, who received 46.4%.

Dan, 55, had framed the election as a decisive choice between “a pro-western and an anti-western Romania.”

A mathematician known for his reserved demeanor, Dan has served as Bucharest’s independent mayor since 2020.

Despite a poor showing in the first round, where Simion led with a strong performance, Dan managed a dramatic comeback in the second round.

Voter turnout reached nearly 65%, the highest in a Romanian election in 25 years.

The high participation rate reflected the critical nature of the vote, which held deep implications for Romania’s geopolitical direction, its economic future, and broader EU cohesion.

Dan ran a campaign rooted in firm support for the EU and NATO.

He vowed to:

• combat corruption,
• sustain aid to neighboring Ukraine, where Romania plays a key logistical role, and,
• ensure the country remains aligned with Western democratic institutions.

Speaking to his supporters after the victory, Dan said the result was a triumph for “thousands and thousands of people who believe Romania can change in the right direction.”

He also urged the public to have “hope and patience” as the country enters a challenging phase.

Simion, a former football ultra and vocal ultranationalist, initially refused to accept the results, proclaiming on social media, “I am the new president of Romania.”

He later conceded, acknowledging that Dan had legitimately won, saying it was the will of the Romanian people.

However, he pledged to continue advocating for nationalist and conservative ideals, declaring, “We may have lost a battle, but we will certainly not lose the war.”

European leaders were quick to respond positively to Dan’s win.

Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, said the outcome would contribute to “a strong Europe.”

António Costa, president of the European Council, on the other hand, praised it as a clear expression of Romania’s commitment to the European project.

French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted Romania’s choice for “democracy, the rule of law, and the European Union.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also offered congratulations, emphasizing Romania’s role as a reliable regional partner.

Dan’s win is seen as a setback for Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Slovakia’s Robert Fico, both of whom have opposed military assistance to Ukraine.

Without a far-right ally in Bucharest, their influence in EU debates on security, energy, enlargement, and budgeting may be diminished.

This election followed a controversial annulled vote six months earlier, which was scrapped amid evidence of campaign finance violations and significant Russian interference.

The initial winner, far-right candidate Călin Georgescu, was later barred from running.

Georgescu remains under investigation for six charges, including falsifying campaign expenditures, unlawful digital campaigning, and links to fascist groups.

Simion had previously said he would appoint Georgescu as prime minister if elected.

Political scientist Cristian Preda of the University of Bucharest said the election was pivotal.

He noted that it marked the first time a candidate openly backed by Moscow had a realistic path to power in Romania.

Despite widespread dissatisfaction with the dominant parties, the centre-left Social Democrats (PSD) and centre-right Liberals (PNL), Preda observed that most voters remained firmly pro-European and anti-Russian.

He described the election as a clear choice “between the Kremlin and Brussels,” and said Dan, as a pro-Western candidate unaffiliated with either major party, offered a compelling alternative in a security-focused race.

Now in office, Dan faces the formidable task of appointing a prime minister who can command a majority in parliament.

Among his immediate priorities are:

• addressing Romania’s large budget deficit, the EU’s highest, and,
• restoring market confidence, which had been shaken by the possibility of a Simion presidency.

Romania’s president holds a semi-executive role, with significant authority over foreign policy, defense, judicial appointments.

He also holds the power to dissolve parliament if lawmakers reject two prime ministerial nominations.

Simion’s first-round win on May 4 caused the collapse of the ruling PSD-PNL coalition.

Romanian media reports suggest Dan may initially try to build a new majority with these two parties, potentially proposing a prime minister from his Save Romania Union (USR).

If that proves unworkable, he may consider a minority government with the Liberals, supported by the Social Democrats through a confidence-and-supply deal.

Dan has categorically rejected any alliance with Simion’s far-right AUR party, which is now the second-largest in parliament.

Romania’s election coincided with the first round of voting in Poland’s presidential election.

In the election, liberal candidate Rafał Trzaskowski reportedly  edged out Karol Nawrocki, who was backed by the nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party.

Trzaskowski received 31.36% of the vote to Nawrocki’s 29.54%.

With the Polish presidency holding veto power, the outcome of the 1 June runoff will determine Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s ability to advance his reformist, pro-European agenda.

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