Nicușor Dan: A New President for an Honest and European Romania

On May 26, 2025, Romania entered a new political era with the inauguration of Nicușor Dan as president, concluding a period of crisis and instability marked by the annulment of the 2024 elections due to external interference and electoral irregularities. Dan, former mayor of Bucharest and civic activist, won the May 18 runoff with 53.6% of the vote, defeating nationalist candidate George Simion .Financial Times+7AP News+7Wikipedia+7

His campaign, centered on the "Honest Romania"

Platform, promised institutional reforms, fiscal responsibility, and a firm commitment to European values and support for Ukraine . In his inaugural speech, Dan emphasized the need for stability, structural reforms, and citizen involvement in governance .AP News

However, challenges abound:

a significant budget deficit, a fragmented parliament, and a polarized society. President Dan must nominate a prime minister capable of forming a stable government in a complex political landscape .AP News+1El País+1

His election is seen as a clear signal from the Romanian electorate against far-right populism, represented by Simion and former candidate Călin Georgescu, whose candidacy was rejected due to suspicions of Russian interference .Eunews+7Wikipedia+7Reuters+7

Our Opinion: 

Nicușor Dan's election marks a turning point for Romania. It is an opportunity to rebuild trust in institutions and reinforce the country's European trajectory. However, his success will depend on his ability to navigate internal challenges and maintain unity in a tense political climate.El País