WORLD NEWS FOR MONTENEGRO DIASPORA
Choose language:
AUTHOR:M.J. GDNUS
Liberal and pro-European mayor of Bucharest Nikusor Dan managed to defeat right-wing nationalist George Simionan in the presidential elections in Romania, after months of political turmoil in the country.
As a reminder, Simion, leader of the far-right AUR party, surprised earlier this month with a victory in the first round. According to analysts, Simion rode a wave of civil discontent caused by the annulment of the previous elections due to suspicions of Russian interference.
However, the victory was ultimately won by the quiet and measured Nikusor Dan, as analyzed by the BBC, who won 54 percent of the vote. Simion, however, was more successful among voters in the diaspora.
"We must build Romania together, regardless of who you voted for," said Dan after his victory became official.
More than 11.6 million Romanians voted in the second round, and Dan won the support of more than six million voters. He waited until after midnight to see the election results before joining supporters in a park opposite Bucharest City Hall, where he was greeted with cheers and chants.
Dan focused his campaign on fighting corruption and supporting Ukraine, while Simion attacked the European Union and demanded an end to aid to Kiev. “Russia, don’t forget – Romania is not yours,” Dan’s supporters chanted.
Simion initially refused to admit defeat, and the situation threatened to escalate into a serious political crisis.
“I won. I am the new president of Romania and I am returning power to the people,” he claimed.
He only admitted defeat in the early hours of Monday morning via Facebook, and his supporters’ planned protests were cancelled.
