On 18 May, Romania faced a choice between two radically different Presidential candidates. Far-right candidate George Simion (ECR) risked isolating the country on the international stage, after decades of hard work to integrate into the European Union. Mathematician Nicușor Dan was the centrist, pro-European voice that could carry the country forward. In a stunning victory, Romanians chose the liberal voice. Bucharest Mayor Dan was elected President of Romania, greeted by thousands of supporters draped in EU flags.
The election followed a turbulent political period after last year’s presidential vote was annulled due to Russian interference, which included a widespread disinformation campaign on TikTok in support of controversial candidate Călin Georgescu. The sea of disinformation was not enough to convince Romanians. Centrist forces, public personalities, influencers and businesses rallied behind Dan, known for his pro-European stance, support for NATO and backing of Ukraine in the face of Russia’s war of aggression.
A respected figure in Romanian public life, Dan is widely recognised for his integrity and effective leadership of the nation’s capital. As President, he now faces the challenge of restoring trust in democratic institutions and leading a deeply divided country in a European direction.
Speaking at dawn on 19 May after the results were confirmed, he addressed the nation with a call for unity and civic engagement:
“Romania begins a new chapter, and it needs every one of you. It needs experts to get involved in public policy, it needs civil society, it needs new people in politics. We have a Romania to build together, regardless of political choices. Romania will have a new President who is in equilibrium with all powers of the state and who will continue to need you all.”
ALDE Party Vice-President Dan Barna MEP (USR, Romania) extended his congratulations to the new-elected President:
''Romanians said clearly today: our home is Europe. Beyond the joy of this moment, of this historic election, tomorrow begins the work of recovering trust in the Romanian state and in our ability to be united and to trust one another. The challenge for the new pro-European President and the new pro-European government is not an easy one. But together we can overcome difficulties and we can transform Romania into the dream home for our children and grandchildren.''
Photo: Nicușor Dan/Facebook