Romania at a Crossroads: Simion and Nicușor Dan Advance to Presidential Runoff

Following the first round of Romania’s presidential elections held on May 4, 2025, George Simion, leader of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), secured first place with 40.96% of the vote—amounting to 3,862,405 votes. He will face independent candidate and current Bucharest mayor Nicușor Dan in the runoff, after Dan garnered 20.99% (1,979,711 votes).

Crin Antonescu, former interim president and the candidate backed by the Romania Forward alliance (A.Ro), finished in third place with 20.07% (1,892,925 votes), narrowly missing the second round.

Voter turnout stood at 52.37%, and the election was held as a repeat of the 2024 vote, which was annulled amid allegations of Russian interference in favor of Călin Georgescu, who was later disqualified.

The runoff, set for May 18, 2025, will pit Simion’s nationalist agenda against Dan’s pro-European vision. The outcome will play a critical role in shaping Romania’s political trajectory for the years to come.