Romania’s liberal pro-EU candidate Nicusor Dan won a surprise victory in Sunday’s presidential runoff, defeating ultranationalist rival.
With 100% of the votes counted, Nicusor Dan, Mayor of capital city Bucharest won around 54% of the ballots cast, gaining a clear victory against hard-right candidate George Simion.
George Simion, 38, the leader of far-right AUR party, had prevailed in the first round of election held on May 4. Simion was backed by supporters of populist Calin Georgescu whose surprise victory in first round of presidential election was annulled last year. Simion’s dramatic victory in the first round of election drew waves of discontent across Romania. Simion had opposed military aid to Ukraine, has criticized the European Union’s “absurd policies” and voiced support for US President Donald Trump.
His opponent Dan, 55, by contrast, is a staunch supporter of Romania’s EU integration and NATO membership and has voiced support for Ukraine against Russia’s invasion.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy congratulated Nicusor Dan on his "historic victory" in Romania's presidential election.
"For Ukraine -as a neighbor and friend- it is important to have Romania as a reliable partner. And we are confident we will. By working together, we can strengthen both our countries and our Europe,” Zelenskiy posted on X Monday.
Reminding that Romanian people were by Ukraine’s side in the “most difficult period”, Zelenskiy said Romania “can count on Ukraine as a good neighbor and partner. We can overcome any challenge if we are united and strong.”
