Nicușor Dan wins Romanian presidency in pro-EU turnaround

Romania has elected a new president after a tense runoff vote. Nicușor Dan won with more than 50 percent of the vote.

Supporters packed the streets of Bucharest Sunday night, waving EU and Romanian flags.

Crowds outside Dan's headquarters chanted his name.

"We all stand for democracy," said Sarah, a supporter. "This shows that Romanians are for democracy, for the European Union. We are allies of every democratic nation and we are here to stand for that."

Dan, a former mathematician and mayor of Bucharest, campaigned on unity and reform. He supports NATO, Ukraine aid, and anti-corruption efforts.

"We feel very happy," said Andrej, a first-time voter. "We think that tonight has strengthened the democracy. We are looking forward to (the) pro-European context of Romania and the transatlantic partnership that we have with America to strengthen this position."

Dan's opponent was far-right leader George Simion, a Trump supporter and EU critic, who led the first round of voting.

More than 11 million voters returned to participate in the runoff.

"Our position in Romania is very important to continue the stability in this region of the Black Sea," said Radu, a voter. "So that's why Romania has to fight for democracy."

This year's vote followed a major political crisis. The 2024 election result was thrown out after Romanian officials cited alleged Russian interference in Călin Georgescu's campaign.

In response, Romania changed several laws. Shortly after polls opened on Sunday, 160 TikTok accounts were shut down after officials said they were spreading misinformation. In addition, advertisement sponsors had to be disclosed and the vote count was filmed for the first time.

Simion gained large support among Romanians abroad. But it wasn't enough to stop Dan's rise.

Parliament will now set the date for Dan to take office.

He faces a long to-do list, with balancing the economy, fighting corruption and rebuilding lost trust are among his top goals.