The European Union breathed a huge sigh of relief Sunday night as moderate Bucharest Mayor Nicușor Dan fended off a fierce hard-right challenge to win the Romanian presidential election.
Mainstream European leaders rushed to congratulate Dan on his surprise win — while Simion’s right-wing acolytes bemoaned his defeat.
“My warmest congratulations to Nicușor Dan on his victory tonight,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. “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.”
Dan beat ultranationalist candidate George Simion to win the election, as the hard-right candidate cozied up to U.S. President Donald Trump, ripping pages from his MAGA agenda, while threatening to stop military support for Ukraine.
“Congratulations Nicușor Dan! Long live free Romania,” exulted center-right Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, whose party candidate also won a narrow election victory Sunday night in Poland.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was also thrilled by the outcome, as Dan promises to keep Romania on its pro-EU, pro-NATO pathway.
“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,” Zelenskyy said.
“I look forward to further developing the strategic partnership between our friendly nations for the sake of their stability, security, and prosperity,” Zelenskyy added.
“Congratulations, dear Nicușor Dan, on being elected President of Romania! Moldova and Romania stand together, supporting one another and working side by side for a peaceful, democratic, and European future for all our citizens,” said Moldovan President Maia Sandu, whose country has been at loggerheads with the irredentist Simion for years.
“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,” beamed European Council President António Costa.
Not everyone was cheering Dan’s win, however.
“Well Romania we had a good run. Thanks for the pleasant memories,” said Tristan Tate, brother of notorious manosphere influencer Andrew Tate.
The brothers have lived in Romania for years and are under investigation for human trafficking.
The post Tate bro tears and EU delight as Dan beats right-winger in Romania’s election appeared first on Politico.
