Nicusor Dan was officially inaugurated as the new president of Romania on Monday, ending the political turmoil that had arisen in the country due to the cancellation of election results. Despite this, Romania still faces multiple challenges in the future.
In the presidential runoff held on May 18, the 55-year-old former mayor of Bucharest, Dan, defeated his opponent George Simion, securing the victory in the election. Simion’s subsequent appeal to the Supreme Court was rejected.
At a joint session of parliament witnesses, Dan took the oath of office. In his subsequent speech, Dan pledged to address Romania’s economic issues and become a president who “listens to the voices of society.”
“Romania needs fundamental change… I invite everyone to continue using all social forces at your disposal to participate in pressuring the national institutions of Romania for reform,” he said. “I assure you all that I will be a president who listens to the voices of society and collaborates with all sectors of society.”
After the Constitutional Court declared the previous presidential election results held in November last year invalid several months ago, Romania held a new election in May this year. In the previous election, political newcomer Calin Georgescu led in the first round of voting, and the election was later accused of irregularities and Russian interference. However, Moscow denied these allegations.
Situated on NATO’s eastern flank and neighboring Ukraine, which is currently in conflict with Russia, Romania’s foreign policy direction is under scrutiny for its potential impact on regional security.
The Romanian presidency has a term of five years and holds significant decision-making power in national security and foreign policy issues.
Dan ran as an independent candidate with the campaign slogan “Honest Romania,” emphasizing relationships with Western countries, continued support for Ukraine, and fiscal reform.
Regarding the economic challenges facing Romania, Dan stated on Monday, “Simply put… Romania spends more than it earns.”
“Stable financial markets are in Romania’s national interest,” he said. “Sending out signals of openness to investment and predictability is advantageous for the country.”
Many observers believe that the election outcome is crucial for Romania’s position within Western alliances, especially given the ongoing conflict in neighboring Ukraine.
Dan still faces a series of challenges, including a substantial budget deficit and the continuing conflict in neighboring countries.
Cristian Andre, a political advisor in Bucharest, stated that forming a new cabinet will test Dan’s ability to coordinate political differences among various parties.
The day after his election as president, Dan spoke with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte over the phone. He reassured Rutte that Romania “will continue to stand as a steadfast ally” within the NATO alliance.
Initially rising to prominence as a civil activist, Dan founded the “Save Bucharest Association,” dedicated to preserving architectural heritage and combating illegal real estate projects by so-called “real estate gangs.” He won hundreds of lawsuits. He also joined the anti-corruption protests that swept Romania in the mid-2010s.
In 2016, Dan founded the reformist political party “Save Romania Union,” which was widely seen as an anti-corruption party at the time, but he later left the party. In 2020, he was elected and re-elected as mayor of Bucharest.
During his tenure as mayor, Dan focused on advancing key infrastructure projects, including renovating the aging residential heating system in Bucharest.