Overview

• Nicușor Dan, an independent centrist and current mayor of Bucharest, secured 54.3% of the vote in the May 18 runoff, defeating nationalist George Simion with 45.6%.
• The election follows the annulment of the 2024 presidential vote due to confirmed Russian interference and widespread domestic protests over election integrity.
• Dan’s campaign focused on anti-corruption, democratic renewal, and strengthening Romania’s ties with the EU and NATO, resonating particularly with youth and diaspora voters.
• High voter turnout, especially among young Romanians and the diaspora, reflected widespread frustration with corruption and the stakes for Romania's role in regional security.
• Dan, a mathematician and civic activist, is known for his academic achievements, including two gold medals at the International Mathematical Olympiad and a PhD from Paris 13 University.