EditNicușor Dan’s victory in Romania’s presidential election: a wave of joy and relief
His triumph over George Simion marks a rejection of nationalism and a reaffirmation of Romania’s pro-EU path
On May 18, 2025, Romania’s presidential election concluded with a historic victory for Nicușor Dan, the independent candidate and Bucharest mayor, sparking widespread joy and relief across the nation and the European Union.
Dan won the elections with 53.65% and dominated in Romania, the Republic of Moldova and much of the diaspora, while George Simion, leader of the far-right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR), obtained 46.35%, but dominated in most European countries.
As reported by PressOne Dan’s triumph over George Simion, marked a decisive rejection of nationalism and a reaffirmation of Romania’s pro-European path. The result, driven by record voter turnout and unprecedented diaspora participation, was celebrated as a defining moment for Romania’s democratic future.
A nation rejoices
In cities like Bucharest, Cluj, and Timișoara, spontaneous celebrations erupted as news of Dan’s victory spread. Urban voters, who turned out in droves—over 30% higher than the first round by 1:00 PM—saw Dan’s win as a victory for reform and pragmatic governance. PressOne captured the mood, describing scenes of young people waving EU and Romanian flags, their cheers echoing through city squares. For many, the result was a reprieve from fears of a far-right surge that could have isolated Romania from its European allies.
The diaspora, which set a record with over one million voters, was instrumental in Dan’s success. PressOne noted that polling stations abroad saw queues stretching into the night, with Romanians in London, Berlin, and Madrid expressing pride in shaping their country’s future. Social media posts from diaspora voters, shared via PressOne, reflected a sense of unity: “We voted for a Romania that looks forward, not backward,” one wrote. The high turnout underscored the election’s stakes, especially after the annulled November 2024 vote heightened distrust in the process.
With a little help from Moldova
Reportedly Moldovans with Romanian citizenship played a significant role in securing Dan’s victory.
The President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu, congratulated Nicușor Dan, and thanked the Moldovans with Romanian citizenship for having “once again had a strong voice for freedom and democracy”.
“Congratulations, Romania! Congratulations, Nicușor Dan! Romania, we walk together with confidence on the European path! The Republic of Moldova and Romania rely on each other – in good times and in bad,” wrote Maia Sandu, in a post on Facebook.
In turn, Dan replied on his Facebook page: “A special thought of gratitude and thanks to the Romanian citizens of the Republic of Moldova. Together, with trust and hope, we will continue our European path”. “I thank President Maia Sandu for her congratulatory message and for her support these days,” added the president-elect.
Relief across the EU
In Brussels and other European capitals, Dan’s victory was met with audible sighs of relief. French President Emmanuel Macron was among the first to congratulate the winner by posting on X, “Congratulations to Nicușor Dan on his election as President of Romania. Your commitment to democracy and European values strengthens our Union. We look forward to working together!”. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also expressed her support, posting, “Romania’s choice is a beacon of hope. Looking forward to working together!’
International outlets like France24 and The Guardian, cited by PressOne, had framed the election as a litmus test for Romania’s commitment to EU values. A Simion win would have risked aligning Romania closer to Russia’s orbit, straining ties with NATO and the EU at a time of heightened geopolitical tension. Instead, Dan’s pro-European stance – emphasizing integration, democratic reforms, and continued support for Ukraine – reassured EU leaders. “Romania has chosen stability and solidarity,” a European Commission spokesperson reportedly said, according to Wall-Street.ro.
The election’s global significance was amplified by its context: the 2024 vote’s annulment due to Russian interference, including a network of 25,000 TikTok accounts promoting AUR’s ally Călin Georgescu, had raised alarms about foreign meddling. Dan’s victory was thus seen as a broader rebuke of authoritarian influences, bolstering confidence in Romania’s democratic resilience.
The election’s divides and Dan’s mandate
While the mood was jubilant in urban centers and abroad, PressOne highlighted Romania’s persistent divides. The election exposed cleavages between urban and rural voters, with rural areas showing weaker turnout compared to cities. Simion, who won 40.96% in the first round, retained strong support in regions like Constanța, where turnout reached 24.95%. His nationalist, Eurosceptic platform resonated with those frustrated by economic inequality and distrustful of elites. A 2024 Friedrich Ebert Foundation study, referenced by PressOne, noted that 41% of Romanians favored a strong, unchecked leader – a sentiment AUR exploited.
Dan, with 20.99% in the first round, campaigned on his record as Bucharest’s mayor, promising transparency and European alignment. Voting in his hometown of Făgăraș, he symbolized a bridge between Romania’s past and its aspirations. His victory, PressOne argued, was a mandate for unity, tasking him with addressing rural grievances while advancing urban and diaspora priorities.
A record turnout and historic moment
The election saw nearly one million more voters than the first round, with PressOne reporting a surge by 1:15 PM. This engagement, coupled with the diaspora’s historic role, underscored the election’s weight. The annulment of the 2024 vote had galvanized voters, who saw their ballots as a chance to reclaim Romania’s trajectory. PressOne framed the contest as a choice between “change at opposite poles” – nationalism versus European integration. Dan’s win affirmed the latter, but the close race signalled that Romania’s divides would require careful navigation.
Looking ahead
As Nicușor Dan prepares to take office, the joy and relief of 18 May carry a sense of responsibility. His presidency will need to heal a polarised nation, address economic disparities, and strengthen Romania’s role in the EU. For now, though, Romanians at home and abroad savor a moment of triumph. As PressOne concluded, the election was not just about choosing a president but about defining Romania’s soul. In choosing Dan, Romania has bet on a future of openness, reform, and unity – a choice celebrated with hope across the continent.
Sources: PressOne, Hotnews
Caption: Bucharest City Mayor Nicusor Dan (C), an Independent presidential candidate supported by the Force of Right (FD) party, celebrates his victory hours after the first exit-polls results were announced, in Bucharest, Romania, early 19 May 2025. Nicusor Dan, is coming out ahead of his far-right rival George Simon in preliminary exit polls according to the Permanent Electoral Authority (AEP). [EPA-EFE/ROBERT GHEMENT]
Updated: May 19, 2025 - 05:33
