Romania elects pro-EU candidate, rejects far-right Simion

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
19 May 2025 08:50

Romania’s rerun presidential election saw a surge in voter turnout as centrist Nicusor Dan triumphed over nationalist George Simion, signaling a renewed pro-EU direction amid concerns over foreign interference.

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Romanian Presidential candidate Nicusor Dan, center, gestures after winning the second round of the country's presidential election redo in Bucharest, Romania, early Monday, May 19, 2025. (AP)

Centrist candidate and Bucharest mayor Nicusor Dan has won Romania’s presidential election rerun, defeating nationalist contender George Simion in a pivotal contest for the country’s political future and its role in the EU and NATO.

Dan, 55, secured nearly 54% of the vote, while Simion garnered around 46%, according to near-complete results. The rerun followed the annulment of the initial May 4 election by Romania’s constitutional court, which cited credible allegations of Russian interference and a coordinated far-right online campaign that supported disqualified frontrunner Calin Georgescu.

Running on a platform that emphasized an "honest" Romania, Dan celebrated his victory with supporters in Bucharest who chanted “Europe” and “Russia, Russia, Romania is not yours.”

"It’s the victory of thousands and thousands of people who... believe that Romania can change in the right direction," Dan said during his address.

Voter turnout reached nearly 65%, a notable increase from the 53% recorded during the first round in May. The spike in participation highlighted the public’s awareness of the election’s significance amid talk of foreign meddling and the rising influence of the far-right.

Political analyst Sergiu Mișcoiu commented on the scale of civic engagement, noting that "never has an election been so decisive, with clear geopolitical implications."

The Romanian presidency holds substantial sway over foreign policy, including participation in and veto power at EU summits, making the office strategically significant both regionally and internationally.

George Simion concedes but vows to continue the political fight

Despite early exit polls suggesting Dan’s lead, Simion initially claimed victory. He later conceded in a Facebook video, stating, "I would like to congratulate my opponent, Nicusor Dan. He has won the election, and this was the will of the Romanian people."

Simion pledged to "continue our fight" and reiterated his commitment to serve Romania’s 19 million citizens. As head of the far-right AUR party, he had criticized the EU’s “absurd policies” and called for a reduction in Romania’s military support for Ukraine.

Simion cast his vote in the town of Mogosoaia, near Bucharest, alongside the disqualified Calin Georgescu.

Georgescu, known for his far-right affiliations, was greeted by supporters chanting, "Calin Georgescu for president."

In a separate development, the international reactions to the result were swift. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen congratulated Dan, describing the outcome as a boost for "a strong Europe." French President Emmanuel Macron praised Romanian voters for choosing “democracy, the rule of law, and the European Union... despite many attempts at manipulation.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also welcomed the result, calling Romania “a reliable partner.”

Dan’s victory is expected to reinforce Romania’s pro-EU stance and its alignment with NATO. With increased influence over the country’s foreign policy, His administration will play a crucial role in defending Romania’s position within European institutions.