In a significant political development for Romania and the broader European Union, far-right candidate George Simion conceded defeat last night in the second round of the presidential election. The victory went to pro-European centrist and current Mayor of Bucharest, Nicușor Dan, who secured nearly 54% of the vote, defeating Simion’s 46%, according to preliminary results with over 90% of the ballots counted.
Simion, the leader of the ultranationalist AUR party, had initially declared premature victory following early exit polls, but later acknowledged the outcome:
“He [Dan] won the election. The Romanian people have expressed their will,” Simion said in a televised address, adding, “I will continue the fight.”
The election marks a resounding rejection of far-right populism in Romania, a country that has witnessed growing polarization and Euroscepticism in recent years. Dan’s victory is being hailed as a mandate for continued EU integration, anti-corruption reforms, and democratic consolidation.
Observers across Europe view this outcome as a crucial win for centrist and pro-EU forces, especially at a time when right-wing extremism is gaining ground in several neighboring states.
