Centralist Dan, Advocate for European Union, Inducted as Romania's President
Romania's presidential election on Monday culminated with the swearing-in of pro-European centrist Nicusor Dan, who pledged to combat "isolationism and Russian influence." The election, which took place in the NATO and EU country bordering Ukraine, was seen as a key indicator of the nation's direction.
After securing a significant victory in the runoff election against hard-right candidate George Simion, Dan was sworn in as Romania's president at the Parliament Palace in Bucharest on May 26, 2025. His victory was particularly significant due to controversies during the previous election, which had to be re-run due to allegations of Russian interference and extensive social media promotion of far-right candidates.
Nicusor Dan, 55, served as the mayor of Bucharest since 2020, and in his inauguration speech, he called for a "fundamental change" within the rule of law. He also urged political parties to act in the national interest and expressed his intention to unite a fragmented society and tackle economic issues.
Lawmakers from Simion's far-right AUR party did not participate in the ceremony, deeming it a legitimization of a "national betrayal." Dan, however, has garnered international support, traveling to Warsaw on May 25 to back the pro-EU Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski's campaign for the Polish presidency.
In a rally for Trzaskowski, Dan emphasized that the Romanian people had rejected isolationism and Russian influence. He is anticipated to usher in a "new chapter" for Romania, continuing the nation's pro-Western stance, which was seen as crucial for regional stability and a relief for the EU and Ukraine.
Reference(s):[1] Bucharest General Mayor, Nicusor Dan, Wins The Presidential Election Run-Off In Romania. (2025, May 25). Agerpres. Retrieved April 5, 2026, from https://www.agerpres.ro/article/386956/General-Mayor-Nicusor-Dan-wins-the-presidential-election-run-off-in-Romania.html
[2] Romania's Nicusor Dan sworn in as president. (2025, May 26). Deutsche Welle. Retrieved April 5, 2026, from https://www.dw.com/en/romanias-nicusor-dan-sworn-in-as-president/a-60909805
[3] Romania's re-run presidential election to take place this week amid lingering political controversy. (2025, February 15). The Washington Post. Retrieved April 5, 2026, from https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/romanias-re-run-presidential-election-to-take-place-this-week-amid-lingering-political-controversy/2025/02/15/a62e04c8-e30b-11eb-aee9-b9c45e9cb781_story.html
Migration and general news reported that President Nicusor Dan, sworn in on May 26, 2025, following a significant victory over far-right candidate George Simion, declared his intention to change the rule of law and unite a fragmented society. Dan's victory was seen as a crucial indicator of Romania's direction, as the nation continues to grapple with the impact of war-and-conflicts, policy-and-legislation, and politics, particularly with regards to Russian influence and regional stability.
