Latest news with #Romanians'
Euronews
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
EU elections Super Sunday shows centre-left parties remain in freefall
European leaders have been quick to congratulate centrist Nicusor Dan on Sunday's dramatic victory in Romania's presidential election over his hard-right rival George Simion. Dan won 53.6% of the vote, ahead of Simion, who during the campaign portrayed his movement as championing nationalist values and conservative policies similar to those of US President Donald Trump. By contrast, Dan — the pro-EU and pro-NATO mayor of Bucharest — had vowed to keep the nation in the European mainstream and maintain support for neighbouring Ukraine. His win is a huge relief for the EU and Ukraine at a time of crucial challenges for Europe. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen offered support to build "an open and prosperous Romania in a strong Europe". EU Council President Antonio Costa said the result showed "a strong signal of Romanians' attachment to the European project". Jean-Michel De Waele, a political scientist at the ULB University in Brussels, told Euronews that only time will tell if this proves a setback for European nationalists, but stressed that leaders cannot ignore the anger of the anti-establishment voters. "There are many problems to be solved. And the citizens of the European Union in this part (of Europe) are not convinced by the EU," he said. "After all, 46% of Romanian citizens voted for Simion. So the EU can rejoice, but it must not forget and must not say: 'We understood the message, we will change the communication. Business as usual'." Parallel to Romania, Poland and Portugal went to the polls on what turned out to be the European elections' Super Sunday. In Poland, pro-European candidate Rafał Trzaskowski won the first round, ahead of conservative Karol Nawrocki. The pair will face each other in a runoff on 1 June. In Portugal, the ruling centre-right AD alliance won snap parliamentary elections yet fell short of a majority, while the far-right Chega made record gains. Meanwhile, the left-leaning PS lost 20 seats in parliament, resulting in the resignation of party leader Pedro Nuno Santo. The traditional left-wing parties were in free fall in all three elections. De Waele said that in Romania, the centre-left's lack of support for the pro-EU candidate was a major surprise. "There is an identity crisis in Europe and the left-wing parties don't have much to offer and don't question themselves much", De Waele explained. "The Romanian PSD is a member of the Party of European Socialists, which supports democracy, but that is completely insufficient. So I think it shows a lack of direction, a lack of leadership," he added. In the first round of the Polish presidential elections, two right-wing candidates faced each other without a leftist contender. According to De Waele, the struggles of the left-of-centre parties in Romania, Poland and Portugal revolve around losing touch with their traditional voters. "We see this clearly in Portugal. The areas where the Portuguese Communist Party or the left was strong are being eaten up by the far right," De Waele said. "So, they have lost contact with the public, they don't have much to offer in terms of discourse, as a dream, as a social project. And they are in very, very great difficulty." Lately, German and Hungarian social Democrats have struggled to win over voters against their right-wing or centre-right rivals. This is partly because of a leadership issue, according to De Waele. "I think we need strong leaders who actually dare to take action. You know, being on the left today is almost a bit shameful. It's as if there were no longer any pride, as if there were no longer a project, as if social democracy had lost its project." De Waele believes that the crisis of leadership is one cause of the turn many voters towards action-oriented leaders. "I think citizens are demanding concrete policies, and governments are taking strong positions. That's also why ... Trump is so successful. He's this kind of very virile, very strong populist leader." "Part of their victory comes from the fact that they say I'm going to do something for you. And I think that, unfortunately, the moderate left or the moderate right are paralysed and don't have any strong proposals," De Waele concluded.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Romania election: EU breathes sigh of relief after Dan defeats far-right rival
The centrist mayor of Bucharest, Nicuşor Dan, has begun sounding out Romania's political parties over forming a new majority government after winning the country's presidential election in a surprise result greeted with relief across the EU. With all votes counted on Monday morning, Dan, who had described the second round vote as a battle between 'a pro-western and an anti-western Romania', scored 53.6%, official figures showed, against 46.4% for his far-right rival George Simion. default Dan, 55, a quietly-spoken mathematician who has been the capital's independent mayor since 2020, came from behind to win after losing heavily to Simion, a brash, EU-critical Trump admirer who had wanted to halt aid to Ukraine, in the first round. At nearly 65%, turnout was the highest in a Romanian election for a quarter of a century, reflecting the importance of a vote with huge consequences for the country's strategic alignment and economic prospects, as well as for EU unity. Staunchly pro-EU and pro-Nato, Dan had campaigned on a pledge to fight corruption, maintain support for neighbouring Ukraine – where Romania has played an important logistical role – and keep the country firmly within the western mainstream. 'It's a victory of thousands and thousands of people who … believe that Romania can change in the right direction,' he told his supporters after the outcome became clear, while calling for 'hope and patience' as the country faced 'a difficult period ahead'. Simion, a former soccer ultra and ultranationalist agitator, at first refused to concede, claiming on social media on Sunday: 'I am the new president of Romania.' But he later acknowledged Dan 'won the election, and this was the will of the Romanian people'. The far-right candidate vowed, however, to 'continue the fight for freedom and our great values along with other patriots, sovereignists and conservatives all over the world. We may have lost a battle, but we will certainly not lose the war.' EU leaders congratulated Dan. The European Commission's president, Ursula von der Leyen, said the result would help 'a strong Europe', while the European Council president, António Costa, called it 'a strong signal of Romanians' attachment to the European project'. The French president, Emmanuel Macron, said Romania had 'chosen democracy, the rule of law, and the European Union'. Ukraine's leader, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, also congratulated Dan, saying it was 'important to have Romania as a reliable partner'. The result deprives Hungary's illiberal leader, Viktor Orbán, the EU's disrupter-in-chief, and Slovakia's Robert Fico – both of whom oppose military aid for Ukraine – of a new ally in key decisions on the war, energy, EU enlargement and the bloc's budget. Related: 'Between a mathematician and a Trump-loving hooligan': Romania's stark presidential choice The election came nearly six months after an initial vote was annulled amid evidence of campaign finance irregularities and a 'massive' Russian interference campaign in favour of its far-right winner, Călin Georgescu, who was banned from standing again. Simion had said that if he won he would nominate the Moscow-friendly Georgescu, who is under investigation on six counts including misreporting campaign spending, illegal use of digital technology and promoting fascist groups, as prime minister. Cristian Preda, a professor of politics at the University of Bucharest, said the result reflected voters' concern that 'for the first time in Romania's electoral history, we had a potential president who was openly supported by Moscow'. Preda said a clear majority of about 60% of voters were deeply disillusioned with Romania's mainstream centre-left Socials Democrats (PSD) and centre-right Liberals (PNL) – but that a similar proportion were also solidly pro-European and anti-Russian. 'Voters were faced with a choice between the positions of the Kremlin, and those of Brussels,' he said. 'Dan was pro-western and represented neither of the big parties, in an election in which security was key. For me, the result was never really in doubt.' Dan faces a daunting in-tray and a tough challenge finding a prime minister to form a majority in parliament to reduce Romania's budget deficit – the largest in the EU – as well as to reassure investors and markets spooked by a possible Simion win. Romanian presidents have a semi-executive role, with considerable powers over foreign policy, national security, defence spending and judicial appointments, and can also dissolve parliament if MPs reject two prime ministerial nominations. Simion's victory in the 4 May first round triggered the collapse of Romania's PSD-PNL ruling coalition. Local media suggested Dan would first seek to form a new majority with the two main parties and a prime minister from his Save Romania Union (USR). Failing that, he may work towards a minority coalition with the Liberals, with a confidence-and-supply arrangement with the Social Democrats. He has ruled out any cooperation with Simion's AUR party, the second largest in parliament. The voting in Romania took place on the same day as the first round of a Polish election in which a liberal frontrunner, Rafał Trzaskowski, edged ahead of Karol Nawrocki, who was backed by the opposition nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party. Trzaskowski did worse than expected, with final results showing he scored 31.36% to Nawrocki's 29.54%. Since Polish presidents can veto laws passed by parliament, the 1 June runoff will determine prime minister Donald Tusk's ability to push through his reformist, pro-EU agenda.
Newsweek
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Who Is Nicușor Dan? Romania's Liberal Centrist Mayor Sweeps to Victory
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Nicușor Dan swept to victory in Romania's presidential election on Sunday, defeating far-right nationalist rival George Simion with nearly 54 percent of the vote. Dan, 55 the centrist mayor of Bucharest and former mathematician who campaigned for an "honest" Romania, was victorious over Simion, 38, in a tense rerun of the contest. Why It Matters Dan's win as a pro-European Union candidate offered a sigh of relief to the bloc's leaders as he triumphed over Simion—a populist who echoed President Donald Trump's MAGA rhetoric and had vowed to cut military aid to Ukraine. What To Know The election was held five months after Romania's Constitutional Court annulled a previous vote due to allegations of Russian interference. Final results showed Dan securing 53.6 percent of the vote. In his role as Bucharest mayor, he worked to modernize city systems by replacing the sewer system and heating pipes. He also put zoning laws in place and preserved the capital's historic architecture, the Washington Post reported. He made his name as a civic activist battling illegal real estate projects, and has called for a crackdown on corruption. His presidential victory was welcomed by Ukraine and Western allies, given that his opponent Simion had proposed halting military aid to Kyiv. Romania has played a critical role in backing Ukraine throughout Russia's full-scale invasion. "NATO is a defense alliance, I have no intention of going to war, I promote peace," Simion said Thursday. "We paid a lot by participating in the war effort, for three years, and our people are fed up, they have economic problems." Dan told supporters that his victory represented a "moment of hope" and said Romania's "reconstruction" would begin immediately. "In today's elections a community of Romanians who want a profound change in Romania won," Dan said. What People Are Saying Nicușor Dan said after his victory: "We need to build Romania together irrespective of who you voted for." "It needs experts to get involved in various public policies, it needs people in civil society, it needs new people in politics," he said. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on X (formerly Twitter): "My warmest congratulations to Nicușor Dan on his victory tonight. The Romanian people have turned out massively to the polls. They have chosen the promise of an open, prosperous Romania in a strong Europe. Together let's deliver on that promise. Looking forward to working with you." European Council President António Costa said on X: "From city hall to the table of the European Council. Sincere congratulations to Nicușor Dan for winning the Romanian Presidential elections. This is a strong signal of Romanians' attachment to the European project. I look forward to working with you for a better Europe and a better Romania." Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on X: "Congratulations Nicușor Dan! Long live free Romania," exulted center-right Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Ukrainian President Volodymry Zelensky said on X: "For Ukraine — as a neighbour and friend — it is important to have Romania as a reliable partner. And we are confident we will. By working together, we can strengthen both our countries and our Europe. "I look forward to further developing the strategic partnership between our friendly nations for the sake of their stability, security, and prosperity." What Happens Next Dan will be sworn in as Romanian president in the coming days.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
EU leaders relieved after centrist Dan wins Romanian presidency
By Elizaveta Gladun BUCHAREST (Reuters) - Romania's European allies and markets welcomed centrist Nicusor Dan's presidential election victory over the eurosceptic hard-right on Sunday, relieved that the European Union member avoided a lurch to a Donald Trump-inspired political path. Dan, a softly-spoken 55-year-old mathematician and Bucharest mayor, won 54% of votes in the country of 19 million, beating rival George Simion, a vocal Trump admirer whose strong showing in the first round of voting this month had rattled allies and investors. On Monday, the leu gained more than 1% after shedding as much as 3% this month in the run up to the election and Romania's euro-denominated bonds rallied. Dan had campaigned on a pledge to fight corruption, maintain support for Ukraine - where Romania has played an important logistical role - and keep the country firmly within the European mainstream. In contrast, Simion, a 38-year-old nationalist, had been critical of EU leadership and opposed military aid to Ukraine, and his strong position before Sunday's run-off had caused the collapse of Romania's pro-Western coalition government. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was one of the first to congratulate Dan. "The Romanian people have turned out massively to the polls," she said on X. "They have chosen the promise of an open, prosperous Romania in a strong Europe." Echoing that, European Council President Antonio Costa said he welcomed working with Dan. "From city hall to the table of the European Council," he said. "This is a strong signal of Romanians' attachment to the European project." Neighbouring Moldova's President Maia Sandu called the result "a step forward for democratic values and our shared European path." After years of rising nationalist sentiment in Europe, the EU was increasingly uneasy about the prospect of a shift to the hard-right in Romania. Analysts had said victory for Simion would have risked isolating Romania abroad and destabilising NATO's eastern flank. Donald Tusk, prime minister in Poland where centrist Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski and nationalist Karol Nawrocki will face off in a presidential election on June 1, applauded the result, as did French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. "Despite numerous attempts at manipulation, Romanians tonight chose democracy, the rule of law, and the European Union," Macron said on X, in Romanian. The election took place nearly six months after the initial ballot was cancelled because of alleged Russian interference - denied by Moscow - in favour of far-right frontrunner Calin Georgescu, who was banned from standing again. Russian-born Pavel Durov, the founder of the Telegram messaging app, accused the head of France's foreign intelligence agency of asking him to ban Romanian conservative voices ahead of the election, adding he refused the request. The intelligence agency denied the allegations. Asked about Durov's comments, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that it was not news that European states such as France, Britain and Germany interfered in the affairs of other countries and said that the vote's conduct had been "strange, to say the least", state news agency TASS reported. Analyst Radu Magdin said Dan's contrast to Simion's bluster helped as the campaign drew to a close and he would pursue a common sense foreign policy. "He will cultivate the Trump administration as much as possible while remaining a staunch European," Magdin said.
The Star
19-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
EU leaders relieved after centrist Dan wins Romanian presidency
Presidential candidate Nicusor Dan speaks as he reacts to exit polls of Romania's second round of the presidential election, in Bucharest, Romania, May 18, 2025. REUTERS/Stoyan Nenov BUCHAREST (Reuters) - Romania's European allies and markets welcomed centrist Nicusor Dan's presidential election victory over the eurosceptic hard-right on Sunday, relieved that the European Union member avoided a lurch to a Donald Trump-inspired political path. Dan, a softly-spoken 55-year-old mathematician and Bucharest mayor, won 54% of votes in the country of 19 million, beating rival George Simion, a vocal Trump admirer whose strong showing in the first round of voting this month had rattled allies and investors. On Monday, the leu gained more than 1% after shedding as much as 3% this month in the run up to the election and Romania's euro-denominated bonds rallied. Dan had campaigned on a pledge to fight corruption, maintain support for Ukraine - where Romania has played an important logistical role - and keep the country firmly within the European mainstream. In contrast, Simion, a 38-year-old nationalist, had been critical of EU leadership and opposed military aid to Ukraine, and his strong position before Sunday's run-off had caused the collapse of Romania's pro-Western coalition government. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was one of the first to congratulate Dan. "The Romanian people have turned out massively to the polls," she said on X. "They have chosen the promise of an open, prosperous Romania in a strong Europe." Echoing that, European Council President Antonio Costa said he welcomed working with Dan. "From city hall to the table of the European Council," he said. "This is a strong signal of Romanians' attachment to the European project." Neighbouring Moldova's President Maia Sandu called the result "a step forward for democratic values and our shared European path." After years of rising nationalist sentiment in Europe, the EU was increasingly uneasy about the prospect of a shift to the hard-right in Romania. Analysts had said victory for Simion would have risked isolating Romania abroad and destabilising NATO's eastern flank. Donald Tusk, prime minister in Poland where centrist Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski and nationalist Karol Nawrocki will face off in a presidential election on June 1, applauded the result, as did French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. "Despite numerous attempts at manipulation, Romanians tonight chose democracy, the rule of law, and the European Union," Macron said on X, in Romanian. The election took place nearly six months after the initial ballot was cancelled because of alleged Russian interference - denied by Moscow - in favour of far-right frontrunner Calin Georgescu, who was banned from standing again. Russian-born Pavel Durov, the founder of the Telegram messaging app, accused the head of France's foreign intelligence agency of asking him to ban Romanian conservative voices ahead of the election, adding he refused the request. The intelligence agency denied the allegations. Asked about Durov's comments, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that it was not news that European states such as France, Britain and Germany interfered in the affairs of other countries and said that the vote's conduct had been "strange, to say the least", state news agency TASS reported. Analyst Radu Magdin said Dan's contrast to Simion's bluster helped as the campaign drew to a close and he would pursue a common sense foreign policy. "He will cultivate the Trump administration as much as possible while remaining a staunch European," Magdin said. (Reporting by Elizaveta Gladun, Malgorzata Wojtunik, Krisztina Fenyo; Editing by Jason Hovet, Alexandra Hudson)
