Official Results: Nicusor Dan wins presidential elections in Romania

Crowds celebrated Dan's victory in Bucharest's downtown at midnight, chanting his name and slogans "Europe", "Russia, Russia, Romania is not yours".

By Alina Grigoras Last updated May 19, 2025

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The Permanent Electoral Authority (AEP) published the first official partial results of the second round of the Romanian presidential elections on Sunday evening. Nicusor Dan is a clear winner with over 6 million votes by his side.

After counting all votes (100% in Romania and abroad), Nicusor Dan won elections with 53.60%. George Simion got 46.40%.

After centralizing 99.65% of the votes (Romania and abroad), Nicușor Dan ranks first, with 53.83%, and George Simion second, with 46.17%.

After centralizing 87.34% of the votes (Romania and abroad), Nicușor Dan ranks first, with 53.41%, while George Simion has 46.72%.

After centralizing 74% of the votes (Romania and abroad), Nicușor Dan is in first place, with 52.16%, while George Simion has 47.84%.

Exclusively in Romania, 100% voted have been counted, with Nicusor Dan first -55.16% and George Simion second-44.84%.

100% of the votes have been centralized in the Diaspora so far. George Simion has 55.86% of the votes from abroad, while Nicușor Dan has 44.14%.

Thousands came out to the center of the Capital to celebrate Nicuşor Dan’s victory in the presidential elections

Thousands of people came out on Sunday evening in the center of the Capital, near Cişmigiu Park, where the first counts showed the winner of the presidential elections to the independent Nicuşor Dan. Traffic is blocked on Regina Elisabeta Boulevard, up to the intersection with Calea Victoriei.

Nicușor Dan greeted the crowd gathered in the center of the capital from the balcony of the City Hall. He held a European Union flag in his hands, while his supporters chanted his name.

People wave flags of Romania and the European Union, hug each other and chant the name of Nicuşor Dan.

Later after midnight, Nicusor Dan, next to his partner, Mirabela Gradinaru, came in the middle of the crowds, who chanted his name, but also other slogans such as “Europe”, “Russia, Russia, Romania is not yours”.

“It’s your victory, you know. What you did, as a society, was extraordinary,” he said. Dan also sent a message to those who didn’t vote for him: “Respect for those who had another option.” “We have to build a Romania together, regardless of the political options, together with Romanians in Romania, with Romanians in the diaspora.”

“Romania begins a new stage tomorrow and needs each of you,” the independent candidate also told the people gathered around him. “Let’s continue to believe in Romania and, starting tomorrow, get to work!” he concluded.

Previously, in an interview to Digi24, the future president of Romania stressed that he will start negotiations with the pro-European parties in Parliament to form the new Government and sent a message to the supporters of the opposing candidate George Simion.

“It is a responsibility. The number of people who stood up for me is a responsibility (…) I thank those who voted for me and those who campaigned for me. For those who did not vote for me, my respect for their choice and I invite them to build a good Romania”, said Nicușor Dan.

He mentioned that, as early as Monday, he will start negotiations with the four pro-European parties in Parliament (PSD, PNL, USR and UDMR) to form the new Government. “I expect that we will have a Government supported by all four parties”, emphasized Nicușor Dan.

The future president of Romania also had a message for the Romanians who voted for George Simion. He emphasized that their dissatisfaction will last “until the state works for its citizens”.

“I have discussed with many people, local leaders aware that this is no longer possible. A fundamental change is needed in the way political parties function”, was the message sent by Nicușor Dan to the representatives of the political parties.

At the same time, Nicușor Dan emphasized that he will publish the list of financiers during the presidential election campaign. “The attacks were absolutely ugly, without any real basis, especially the family, there was no point in it (…) I didn’t think I would see the attack on the family, but, on the other hand, the interaction with people, the fact that young people from Timișoara came to the debates on television to sit in the hall, was moving,” said Nicușor Dan, when asked what were the ugliest and most beautiful moments during the campaign.

Congratulations from abroad

The President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu, congratulated Nicușor Dan after the second round of the presidential elections, emphasizing that Romania and the Republic of Moldova are walking together, with confidence, on the European path. She conveyed her appreciation for the mobilization of Romanians in the diaspora and Moldovans with Romanian citizenship, whom she says had “a strong voice for freedom and democracy”.

“Congratulations, Romania! Congratulations, Nicușor Dan! Romania, we walk together with confidence on the European path! The Republic of Moldova and Romania rely on each other – both in good times and in bad,” wrote Maia Sandu.

She also thanked the Moldovan citizens with Romanian citizenship who participated in the vote, highlighting their contribution to the defense of democratic values.

“Dear Moldovans with Romanian citizenship at home and around the world, you have once again had a strong voice for freedom and democracy! Thank you all for your impressive participation in the elections. The whole world sees what power we have when we are united,” wrote the President of the Republic of Moldova.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also congratulated Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan on his victory in the Romanian presidential election, where he defeated Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) candidate George Simion.

In a post on X, von der Leyen congratulated Dan and stated she was looking forward to working with him, saying that the Romanian people chose “the promise of an open, prosperous Romania in a strong Europe.”

“My warmest congratulations to @NicusorDanRO 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,” von der Leyen said.

Ukraine president, Volodymyr Zelensky posted a message in Romanian on X, also congratulating Nicusor Dan.

“Congratulations @NicusorDanRO on the historic victory in the presidential elections in Romania. For Ukraine – as a neighbor and friend – it is important to have Romania as a reliable partner. We are confident that this will be the case. By working together, we can strengthen both our countries and our Europe. We will always have great respect for Romania and the Romanian people, especially considering the support we received during the most difficult period in our history. Dear Romanians, you can count on Ukraine as a good neighbor and partner. We can overcome any challenge if we are united and strong. I look forward to further developing the strategic partnership between our friendly nations, for their stability, security and prosperity,” the Ukrainian President said.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced that he had called Nicușor Dan and congratulated him on his victory in the Romanian presidential elections, in a message published in Romanian and French on X.

“I called Nicușor Dan and congratulated him on his election as president of Romania. Despite numerous attempts at manipulation, Romanians chose democracy, the rule of law and the European Union this evening,” Emmanuel Macron said.

He also sent a message to Romanians underlining the partnership between the two countries. “France will stand with you to strengthen our partnership and to work together for a stronger, more sovereign and more independent Europe,” Macron said.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also congratulated the winner of the Romanian presidential election. “Romania is committed to a strong and secure Europe: Dear Nicusor Dan, congratulations on your election victory!” wrote Chancellor Friedrich Merz in a short message posted on the X platform.

Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni congratulated Nicușor Dan today on winning the elections for the highest office in the state. “On behalf of the Italian government, I congratulate Nicușor Dan on his election as President of Romania. I am confident that we can build a constructive partnership, with the aim of strengthening bilateral cooperation between our nations and with the common objective of promoting peace, stability and prosperity for our peoples and for Europe,” was the message posted by her on her X account.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who supported Nicușor Dan in the campaign, congratulated the winner of the Romanian presidential elections in a short message, on X, sent in three languages - Romanian, English and Polish. “Congratulations, Nicușor Dan! Long live free Romania!” – adds the former President of the European Council, a friend and a connoisseur of Romanian history, in an allusion to the democracy won more than 35 years ago.

The NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also spoke to Nicușor Dan on Monday after he won the Romanian presidential election. Marc Rutte told Nicușor Dan that he expects important work to be done to ensure common security, including through the North Atlantic Alliance. We will focus on defense investments, Dan said.

“Just had a call with @NicusorDanRO to congratulate him on his election win. We have important work ahead to ensure our shared security through a strong NATO. Looking forward to working together, including in the run up to the #NATOSummit in The Hague!”, said Rutte.

In his turn, Nicusor Dan stated: “Just spoke with @SecGenNATO. I assured him that Romania will continue to be a staunch Ally. At the same time, we count on @NATO to deliver ironclad security for Romania. We will focus on defense investments to strengthen the transatlantic bond which is vital for both Romania and the Alliance.”

Congratulations from the Romanian political leaders

Interim President Ilie Bolojan congratulated, on Monday morning, in a message published on Facebook, the mayor of the capital, Nicușor Dan, winner of the presidential elections of May 18. “ROMANIA HAS CHOSEN,” wrote Bolojan at the beginning of his message, which continues with a message for the winner of the elections: “Congratulations, Nicușor Dan!”.

Bolojan’s post continues with a message of thanks to the Romanians who came out in large numbers to vote, but also to the institutions organizing the election. “I thank the citizens of our country for participating in large numbers to vote, regardless of the option they had. I am grateful to all those involved in organizing the elections for the smooth conduct of the second round. Thank you, Romania!” wrote Interim President Ilie Bolojan.

USR: Romania proved extraordinary democratic immunity

Dominic Fritz said that “Romania has demonstrated an extraordinary democratic immune system”, after the first exit poll results published at 9:00 PM, which gave Nicușor Dan the winner in the second round of the presidential elections, by over 10% over George Simion.

“This victory belongs to him, but it is also a victory for the whole of Romania. Proof that Romania is not as some would have liked to portray it, both at home and abroad. Romania has shown an extraordinary democratic immune system,” said Dominic Fritz, the interim leader of the USR, in a press statement after the first results were released.

Dominic Fritz stressed that, with the completion of the presidential elections, “rebuilding trust in the Romanian state and among the citizens of this country” must begin.

At the same time, the USR leader sent a message to the supporters of the AUR candidate, George Simion.

“Even though I am convinced that George Simion has not played with legitimate instruments many times, even if today he does not even admit defeat, it does not mean that your frustrations and concerns are not legitimate. We have more in common than he has let you believe. We all want a strong, prosperous Romania, in which every citizen receives due respect,” Dominic Fritz said.

Fritz also emphasized that the results of Sunday’s elections demonstrate that Romanians are not “led down the wrong path by Russian propaganda, by other far-right propaganda.” “Romania is strong in Europe, and Nicușor Dan will be a president who will make this voice heard all over the world,” the USR leader also mentioned.

PNL: Romania has demonstrated that it is a country with a solid democracy

Adrian Veștea, the acting secretary general of the PNL, gave press statements on Sunday evening, after the exit poll results for the presidential final were announced, and he respectfully welcomed “the very large participation of Romanian citizens in the electoral process.” The liberal believes that the high turnout, of 64.72%, “is a demonstration of civic duty, responsibility and patriotism” on the part of those who voted.

“We respectfully welcome the very large participation of Romanian citizens in the electoral process. It is a demonstration of civic duty, responsibility and patriotism of all those who voted, regardless of how they voted. Romania has demonstrated that it is a country with a solid democracy, in which citizens understand their responsibilities. The electoral process was fair and transparent, state institutions fulfilled their legal responsibilities, and citizens were able to freely and unhinderedly exercise their right to vote,” said Adrian Veștea.

The acting secretary general of the PNL congratulated the “pro-European candidate.”

“We congratulate the presidential candidate who, following the exit poll, the pro-European candidate, obtained the highest number of votes and we wish him success in his mandate, in the interest of Romania. We would like to thank our colleagues who committed themselves to supporting the candidate we supported in the 2nd round and who worked with devotion for the option we took after the 1st round. We asked all our colleagues in each polling station to stay until the last moment to count each vote that was expressed by Romanian citizens and also to participate in the conclusion of the minutes. We have every confidence that after the vote counting, things will remain unchanged”, Adrian Veștea also declared.

UDMR leader happy about exit polls, cautious about counting

The leader of the UDMR, Kelemen Hunor, declared himself happy on Sunday evening with the results of the exit polls in the presidential elections, which gave the winner to Nicuşor Dan, the candidate supported by the Hungarian party, but he indicated that the vote count, especially those from the diaspora, must be awaited. “I am glad that the exit polls show that Nicuşor Dan won the presidential elections, this message is very important, after an extremely long campaign and we must wait for the vote count and I hope that this result will remain,” said “We know (…) in the diaspora, two weeks ago, what the result was and I hope for a more balanced result now and I hope that in the case of Nicuşor Dan, the result will be preserved in the country. There was a very high turnout today in the presidential elections, which will give strong legitimacy to the new president”, the UDMR leader stated.

He pointed out that the turnout was very high in the counties of Szekler, but also in other counties with a larger Hungarian population, such as Cluj, Satu Mare, Sălaj or Bihor.

Former Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu congratulated Nicușor Dan, the winner of the presidential elections on May 18. He thanked Romanians for coming out in large numbers to vote and stressed that Romania needs “reconciliation and reconstruction”.

“I congratulate Nicușor Dan on his victory and I especially congratulate Romanians in the country and in the diaspora, because their massive turnout will give the future president increased legitimacy,” Ciolacu wrote on Facebook.

He added that Romanians have once again proven to the world that, in the most difficult moments, “they know how to overcome economic, social or political differences and stand united in the face of danger.” “The result of today’s elections clearly shows that Romania needs reconciliation and reconstruction. I hope that the new president will make it his priority not only to be honest with Romanians, but also to try to unite the nation and offer solutions to equalize the degree of economic and social development of the country’s communities. We have only one Romania and we must all take care of it,” Ciolacu added.

Former President Ion Iliescu, aged 95, sent a message to Nicușor Dan on his blog, congratulating him on his election victory and expressing his belief that he will be a balanced president, with “respect for democratic values and concern for the well-being of all Romanians.”

“Dear Mr. President, I extend my most sincere congratulations to you for the trust that the Romanian people have placed in you by electing you to the highest office of the state. Your victory expresses a deep aspiration of the citizens for a responsible, honest and future-oriented leadership. The experience gained in the field of administration and the constant involvement in public life are grounds for hoping for a presidential mandate marked by balance, respect for democratic values and care for the well-being of all Romanians. Romania is going through a complex period, with particular economic, social and geopolitical challenges. That is precisely why it is essential that all democratic political forces work together, put aside the conflictual spirit and support the presidential institution in the effort to ensure stability, continuity and clear direction for the country. Romania needs coherence, dialogue and firm commitment in consolidating democratic institutions and its European path. I am convinced that you will exercise this responsibility with dignity and with a sense of duty towards nation. I wish you much success in fulfilling the mission you have undertaken and the strength to remain faithful to the ideals of social equity and progress”, Ion Iliescu wrote on his blog.

Călin Georgescu sent his first message on Monday after George Simion lost the presidential election – a video from his office, posted on social media. He congratulated the AUR leader, who he said “fought and I pray he will continue to do so with honor, determination and energy, serving his country”. “I also pray for Nicușor Dan to be a wise president for Romania”, Georgescu added

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