Romanian Centrist Nicusor Dan Wins Presidency With 54% Vote

Nicusor Dan, a centrist candidate and Bucharest mayor, is set to win the Romanian presidency after a surprising late surge against hard-right rival George Simion, who supports policies inspired by former U.S. President Donald Trump. With over 97% of votes counted, Dan holds around 54% compared to Simion’s 46%, marking a decisive victory that reflects Romanian voters' preference for pro-European Union and NATO policies and continued support for Ukraine amid its conflict with Russia. Dan campaigned on combating corruption, maintaining Romania’s place within the European mainstream, and addressing economic challenges, including the country's significant budget deficit. Despite Simion’s refusal to concede, Dan’s win is seen as a stabilizing outcome for Romania and Europe, countering the rise of far-right populism fueled by dissatisfaction with mainstream elites over migration and cost of living. This election coincided with the first round of Poland’s election, where a liberal candidate also gained ground against nationalist opposition, highlighting broader European political shifts. Analysts view Dan’s victory as a strong endorsement of pro-European values amid growing tensions and political realignments on the continent.