Pro-European Nicusor Dan is confronting significant challenges after his victory over pro-Russian George Simion in a tense runoff last week. Dan has officially taken office as Romania’s new president, despite ongoing assertions from far-right factions that his election lacks legitimacy. On Monday, the centrist leader vowed to initiate a “new chapter” for Romania, with hopes that his inauguration could resolve the prolonged political crisis. However, his rival, George Simion, who holds pro-Russian and nationalist views, continues to claim that the May 18 election was a “coup d'état.”
In the lead-up to the election, which was overshadowed by the annulment of November's initial vote due to Russian interference, Dan pledged to combat corruption and reinforce Romania's dedication to the European Union and NATO.
During his inauguration speech, he committed to addressing Romania's economic and political challenges and promised to be a president "attuned to the voice of society."
"The Romanian state requires a fundamental transformation in the rule of law, and I encourage you to remain engaged to apply positive pressure on state institutions for reform," he stated. "I urge political parties to prioritize the national interest."
'National Treason'
The May election rerun took place months after the Constitutional Court annulled the previous election. In the first round of voting in November, far-right, pro-Russian candidate Calin Georgescu received the most votes but was disqualified due to allegations of electoral violations and Russian interference, which Moscow has denied.
Simion, the leader of the far-right Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), stepped in and led the polls for several weeks. However, a last-minute surge allowed Dan to surpass him just before the election concluded.
Lawmakers from the AUR party boycotted the swearing-in ceremony, labeling it as an act that "legitimizes national treason." Simion criticized the court's ruling, describing it as a "coup d'état." Authorities are on high alert, anticipating protests from far-right supporters.
Dan's victory over Simion was celebrated across Europe, seen as vital for preserving Romania's position within Western alliances, particularly amid the ongoing conflict in neighboring Ukraine. "We won the Romanian presidential elections. The people have rejected isolationism and Russian influence," Dan stated on Sunday during a rally in Poland for liberal Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski, who is set to compete against nationalist Karol Nawrocki in a presidential runoff on June 1.
Dan faces significant challenges as Romania grapples with political and economic crises. His first task is to nominate a prime minister capable of securing the support needed to establish a new government, especially as widespread discontent with the political class has elevated figures like Georgescu and Simion as leading contenders.
Dan is expected to meet with Ilie Bolojan, the interim president and a member of the pro-EU National Liberal Party, who is considered a potential prime minister.
Regarding the economic struggles faced by many Romanians, Dan made few commitments on Monday. “In simple terms, the Romanian state is spending beyond its means,” the new president stated.
Since the announcement of the results, Simion has repeatedly claimed, without providing evidence, that the election was manipulated through foreign interference. Nevertheless, the Constitutional Court upheld the election results on Thursday, dismissing Simion's appeal to annul the vote.
