Independent centrist Nicusor Dan won Romania’s presidential runoff with 53.6% of the vote, defeating far-right nationalist George Simion in a high-turnout election widely seen as pivotal for the country’s pro-European direction.
Romania’s electoral commission confirmed Dan’s victory early Monday, with over 6.1 million votes against Simion’s 5.3 million. Simion, who initially claimed victory, conceded in a Facebook video, calling Dan’s win “the will of the Romanian people.”
Turnout reached 64%, or 11.6 million voters from Romania and abroad—one of the highest in post-communist elections.
Dan, the mayor of Bucharest, campaigned on strengthening ties with the EU and fighting corruption. Simion, 38, leads the AUR party and opposes EU leadership and military support for Ukraine.
The vote followed a turbulent campaign. A previous first round in November was annulled over suspected Russian interference, and Simion entered the race after the disqualification of frontrunner Calin Georgescu, a pro-Russian figure.
Dan trailed heavily in the first round but closed the gap after Georgescu’s exit. His win was seen as a blow to nationalist forces across Eastern Europe.
Romania’s president plays a key role in defense, foreign policy, and nominating the prime minister. Dan must now help form a new government to address the EU’s largest budget deficit.
