Romania runoff: Dan leads with over 53% after 90% of votes counted

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News Websites
18 May 2025 23:46

Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan leads Romania’s presidential runoff with 53.68% of the vote against George Simion’s 46.32%, as 90% of ballots are counted.

Listen

Presidential candidate Nicusor Dan speaks to media after polls closed for the second round of the country's presidential election redo in Bucharest, Romania, Sunday, May 18, 2025. (AP)

Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan is leading in the second round of Romania’s presidential election with 53.68% of the vote, according to data released Sunday by the Romanian Central Electoral Bureau, based on 90% of ballots counted.

His rival, George Simion, leader of the far-right Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), has received 46.32% of the vote so far.

Independent candidate challenges far-right in tight race

The runoff pits Dan, an independent and pro-European candidate, against Simion, a nationalist politician who has criticized Brussels and advocated for reducing military aid to Ukraine.

Simion secured 41% in the first round of voting held on May 4, while Dan came in second with 21%. The sharp rise in Dan’s support suggests he has consolidated votes from other candidates eliminated in the first round.

Awaiting final results

The presidential election is seen as pivotal for Romania’s political trajectory, especially regarding EU relations, military policy, and governance. The final results are expected to be released overnight, with the winner poised to shape the country’s foreign policy and appoint a new prime minister amid ongoing political instability.

Both candidates have tapped into widespread public dissatisfaction with a political class seen as corrupt and disconnected from ordinary citizens in one of the EU's poorest nations.

"I voted thinking about a better life," said Catalin Birca, 57, a pensioner from Bucharest. "I want this country to remain pro-European. What are we doing otherwise? Going back to where we started from?"

Polling stations were set to close at 9:00 pm (1800 GMT), with preliminary results expected overnight.