Romania’s 2025 Election: Nicușor Dan Wins in a Divided Nation

Hey there, folks! The 2025 presidential election in Romania has just wrapped up, and let me tell you, it was a wild ride from start to finish. I’ve been following this story closely as a journalist for TheMors, and I’m here to break down what happened, who came out on top, and what it all means for Romania. From protests to annulments to a nail-biting final vote, this election has kept everyone on edge. Whether you’re a Romanian curious about the future or just someone interested in European politics, let’s dive into the details together.

A Rocky Road to the 2025 Vote

Romania’s journey to electing a new president this year was anything but straightforward. The original election was supposed to happen back in November 2024, but things went south fast. The first round saw a far-right candidate, Călin Georgescu, take a surprising lead with 23% of the votes. But soon after, accusations of foreign interference—specifically from Russia—started flying. Reports of a TikTok campaign with fake influencers and over 85,000 cyberattacks led the Constitutional Court to annul the results in December 2024. I remember watching the news that day, stunned at how quickly everything unraveled.

The annulment sparked massive protests in Bucharest. Tens of thousands of people hit the streets in January 2025, waving Romanian flags and demanding transparency. Some supported Georgescu, believing he was unfairly disqualified, while others wanted a clean slate. It was a tense time, and you could feel the divide in the air. The court eventually scheduled a new election for May 2025, with the first round on May 4 and the second on May 18. Georgescu, however, was barred from running due to ongoing criminal probes, including charges of inciting actions against the state and ties to extremist groups.

The Final Showdown: Nicușor Dan vs. George Simion

With Georgescu out of the picture, the May election brought new faces to the forefront. Eleven candidates threw their hats in the ring, but two quickly stood out: George Simion, the nationalist leader of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), and Nicușor Dan, the centrist mayor of Bucharest. Simion dominated the first round, pulling in 40.96% of the votes, while Dan secured 20.99%. It was clear from the start that this would be a battle between two very different visions for Romania’s future.

I followed the campaigns closely, and the contrast was stark. Simion, a vocal admirer of Donald Trump, ran on a nationalist platform, criticizing NATO and Romania’s military support for Ukraine. He even suggested that Romania should avoid being a “buffer” between Russia and the EU, which worried a lot of folks about the country’s EU ties. Meanwhile, Dan focused on unity and economic stability, promising to keep Romania firmly pro-European. As someone who’s seen how divisive politics can get, I appreciated Dan’s calmer approach, but Simion’s fiery speeches definitely had a pull, especially in rural areas.

The second round was a real cliffhanger. When the results came in on May 18, Nicușor Dan emerged as Romania’s seventh president, beating Simion by a slim margin. Urban voters, especially in cities like Bucharest and Cluj, rallied behind Dan, while Simion won big with the diaspora—grabbing 61% of votes from Romanians abroad. It was a close call, and the results showed just how split the country is right now.

Nicușor Dan’s Win: What It Means for Romania

Nicușor Dan’s victory felt like a sigh of relief for many Romanians who were nervous about a far-right presidency. Dan, who’s been Bucharest’s mayor since 2020, has a reputation for getting things done without all the drama. His campaign was all about bringing people together, fixing the economy, and keeping Romania on a pro-European path. I’ve spoken to a few friends in Bucharest, and they’re hopeful that Dan can deliver on his promises, especially when it comes to tackling the country’s budget deficit, which hit 8.65% of GDP in 2024—the highest in the EU.

But Dan’s win doesn’t mean smooth sailing. The election exposed deep divides between urban and rural voters, as well as between those who want closer EU ties and those leaning toward nationalism. Dan will need to work hard to address the concerns of Simion’s supporters, many of whom feel left behind by the government. Issues like healthcare, education, and infrastructure in rural areas are top priorities, and if Dan can’t deliver, we might see the far-right gain even more ground in the future.

George Simion and the Far-Right’s Momentum

Even though he didn’t win, George Simion’s performance in this election was a wake-up call. With 40.96% in the first round and a strong showing in the runoff, Simion has proven that AUR is a force to be reckoned with. The party already doubled its seats in parliament in 2024, jumping to 63 out of 330, and this election only strengthened its position. Simion’s nationalist message—focusing on traditional values, anti-EU sentiment, and skepticism toward NATO—has struck a chord with a lot of Romanians, especially in rural communities and the diaspora.

I found Simion’s campaign both fascinating and concerning. He openly supported Georgescu, even suggesting he could be prime minister if AUR won. That kind of rhetoric, paired with his criticism of Romania’s role in supporting Ukraine, made a lot of people nervous about where the country might be headed under his leadership. It’s clear that Simion isn’t going anywhere, and he’ll likely remain a loud voice in Romanian politics for years to come.

How the Election Hit Romania’s Economy and Society

The election didn’t just shake up politics—it had a real impact on Romania’s economy and society. After Simion’s first-round win, the Bucharest Stock Exchange took a hit, and the National Bank of Romania had to pump over 2 billion euros into the market to stabilize the currency. I spoke with a local business owner who said the uncertainty made it tough to plan ahead, especially for small companies. Once Dan’s win was confirmed, things calmed down a bit, but the economy is still on shaky ground.

Romania’s facing some big challenges, like that massive budget deficit I mentioned earlier. Dan has promised tax reforms and a crackdown on the shadow economy, which is a huge issue here. On the social side, the election highlighted just how divided the country is. The protests earlier this year, the heated campaigns, and the urban-rural split all point to a nation struggling to find common ground. It’s something I’ve seen in other countries too, but it feels especially raw in Romania right now.

What Romanians Should Know

If you’re a Romanian reading this, here’s the bottom line: Nicușor Dan’s presidency offers a chance for stability, but it’s not a magic fix. His focus on EU integration and economic reform could bring benefits like more funding and better trade deals, but he’ll need to address the concerns of rural voters who feel ignored. Keep an eye on issues like healthcare and infrastructure—those will be key tests of his leadership.

The election also showed how powerful social media can be. The TikTok scandal with Georgescu was a reminder that foreign interference is a real threat, and we all need to be careful about where we get our news. Staying informed and engaged is the best way to make sure your voice is heard in the years ahead.

What’s Next for Romania and Beyond

Looking ahead, Nicușor Dan has a lot on his plate. He’ll need to tackle the economy, heal social divides, and keep Romania on a pro-European track. At the same time, George Simion and AUR will likely keep pushing their nationalist agenda, which could make for a bumpy ride. There’s also talk of electoral reforms to prevent future controversies, like better cybersecurity to protect against interference.

This election matters beyond Romania’s borders too. As a NATO and EU member next to Ukraine, Romania’s role in the region is crucial. A far-right win could’ve strained ties with Western allies, especially with tensions involving Russia still high. Dan’s victory keeps things steady for now, but the rise of nationalism here is part of a bigger trend across Europe that’s worth watching.

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Romania’s 2025 election has been a whirlwind, but the story doesn’t end here. From political changes to global impacts, there’s so much more to unpack. Want to stay on top of it all? Head over to TheMors – Breaking News for the latest updates, deep dives, and stories from around the world. Our team at TheMors is here to keep you in the know, so don’t miss out—check out our other articles and see what’s shaping the headlines today!