Reported by Sarah Rainsford, Paul Kirby, and Olimpia Zagnat in Bucharest and London, the victory of Nicusor Dan in the Romanian presidential race was confirmed late into the night. The liberal, pro-EU mayor of Bucharest overcame a strong challenge from a right-wing nationalist, George Simion, to secure 54% of the vote in Romania. Despite Simion’s success in the diaspora, Dan emerged victorious, with over six million supporters backing him in the run-off election.
After waiting anxiously until after midnight for the final results, Nicusor Dan celebrated his win with his supporters outside City Hall in Bucharest. His message of unity and change resonated with Romanians, who turned out in large numbers to vote for him. The victory marked a significant moment for Dan and his supporters, who had endured months of political tension.
The election campaign highlighted the dissatisfaction of Romanians with mainstream parties, with Simion’s far-right stance contrasting with Dan’s pro-European platform. While Simion initially refused to concede defeat, he eventually accepted the election results on social media. The campaign was marked by allegations of fraud and interference, with Simion’s ties to a previously disqualified candidate raising questions about his leadership.
Despite Simion’s strong support among diaspora voters in Western Europe, Nicusor Dan’s widespread appeal both in Romania and abroad ultimately secured his victory. The election outcome reflects a desire for change and a commitment to a better future for Romania. Sarah Rainsford, Paul Kirby & Olimpia Zagnat Di negara tetangga Moldova, 87% orang Rumania mendukung walikota Bukares.
Para presiden Moldova dan Ukraina mengucapkan selamat atas kemenangannya.
“Moldova dan Rumania bersatu, saling mendukung dan bekerja bersama untuk masa depan yang damai, demokratis, dan Eropa untuk semua warganya,” kata Maia Sandu.
“Bagi Ukraina, sebagai tetangga dan teman, penting untuk memiliki Rumania sebagai mitra yang handal,” kata Volodymyr Zelensky di Kyiv.
Presiden Komisi Eropa Ursula von der Leyen mengatakan di media sosial bahwa orang Rumania keluar dalam jumlah besar dan telah “memilih janji Rumania yang terbuka dan makmur di Eropa yang kuat”.
Pada akhirnya, ini adalah suara “Tidak” tegas terhadap seorang nasionalis teguh dengan visi isolasionis untuk Rumania, seorang provokator yang dikenal dan seorang pria yang komitmennya terhadap keanggotaan UE dan nilai inti blok itu tidak jelas.
Meskipun dia menunjukkan kekuatan dalam putaran pertama, orang Rumania yang khawatir tentang apa yang dia perjuangkan tampaknya telah berkumpul untuk menghalangi dia agar tidak berkuasa.
Tapi Simion memenangkan sebagian besar suara, dan pesannya masih akan beresonansi dengan banyak orang.