Mathematician v ex-football hooligan: Centrist edges far-right firebrand in Romania election
He entered the runoff with momentum after securing 45 per cent in the first round – more than double Dan's tally – but his support appeared to stall amid a concerted mobilisation effort from urban voters, young Romanians, and diaspora communities. About 11 million Romanians voted, a 64 per cent turnout.
Simion cast his vote outside Bucharest alongside Georgescu, who had endorsed him as his preferred prime minister. Police later escorted both men from the polling station after they attempted to address media from inside the voting precinct, in breach of Romanian electoral law.
Tensions remained high throughout election day. Romania's foreign ministry issued a statement condemning a viral video that falsely claimed French troops disguised as Romanian soldiers were deployed near the border. France called the footage 'a co-ordinated disinformation attempt'.
Simion has repeatedly suggested that the election may be marred by fraud, despite no evidence. His supporters have circulated calls on social media for mass protests should he lose, with some referencing Ukraine's 2014 Maidan uprising as a model.
Analysts warn the result – whatever the final tally – is unlikely to ease political instability.
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'We are at a geopolitical crossroads,' former president Traian Basescu told local media on Sunday. 'The choice here is not only between two candidates but between Romania's continued integration with the West and a slide toward a more authoritarian model.'
Dan, a former mathematician who rose to prominence as an anti-corruption activist, has positioned himself as a moderate pro-European reformer. He has vowed to protect Romania's democratic institutions, improve access to EU funds, and maintain the country's commitments to NATO and the European Union.
The final official results are expected in the coming days. If confirmed, Dan's victory will represent a sharp reversal of political momentum after Simion's strong first-round performance and will be seen by Western allies as a reaffirmation of Romania's commitment to democratic norms at a time of rising nationalist sentiment across Central and Eastern Europe.
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