Around 11.6 million Romanians voted in the country and abroad, resulting in a voter turnout rate close to 65%. Dan won 53.6% of the votes, while Simion received 46.4%.

“From tomorrow onwards, Romania begins a new chapter and requires the contribution of every one of you. It needs experts to engage in different public policies, active citizens in civil society, and fresh faces in politics,” said the newly elected president, who ran on a pro-EU agenda.

Meanwhile, Simion conceded the defeat, adding that “we were alone against a whole system, against everybody.”

Romania is currently dealing with a political crisis following the cancellation of the second round of presidential elections in December 2024 due to allegations of foreign interference. With Dan elected President, negotiations will start for the appointment of a new government, according to political commentators.

A new Government could be formed in one month, with talks said to start between political parties with pro-EU visions, said Dan in an interview, on Sunday evenining.

Dan is the second Bucharest Mayor in office that was elected President. The first one was Traian Băsescu, who was elected President twice. Former President Klaus Iohannis also served as Mayor of Sibiu.