Centrist mayor Nicușor Dan appeared poised to win Romania’s presidency on Sunday, defeating far-right, Trump-aligned rival George Simion in a closely watched election that could shape the country’s future within the EU and NATO.
Centrist Mayor Nicușor Dan on Track to Win Romanian Presidency, Beating Trump-Aligned Rival
Bucharest’s centrist mayor, Nicușor Dan, appears set to win Romania’s presidency, exit polls showed Sunday, in a race closely followed across Europe amid a rise in support for U.S. President Donald Trump.
Dan secured 54–55% of the vote, overtaking hard-right candidate George Simion, a Trump supporter and eurosceptic who pledged to end military aid to Ukraine.
Running on an anti-corruption and pro-EU platform, Dan pledged to stabilize Romania’s economy, reduce its EU-high budget deficit, and reassure investors. He will need to nominate a prime minister and form a parliamentary majority to move forward.
“There’s a tough road ahead to rebuild the economy and society. Please have hope and patience,” Dan told supporters after exit polls were released.
Romania’s president holds significant powers, including heading the defence council and influencing EU foreign policy decisions.
The vote coincided with Poland’s presidential race, where liberal Rafal Trzaskowski faces two pro-Trump conservatives.
Simion, despite the polls, declared victory on Facebook: “I won!!! I am the new President of Romania and I am giving back the power to the Romanians!”
Simion’s late surge reflected growing frustration across Central Europe with mainstream elites over migration and economic issues. Analysts warned his win could have isolated Romania, discouraged investment, and weakened NATO’s eastern flank.
The election followed the cancellation of a previous vote over alleged Russian interference, which Moscow denied. Exit poll-confirmed results are expected later Sunday.
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