The most important international media institutions report on Nicușor Dan’s victory, according to the exit poll results from the second round of elections.
Euractiv: A Rejection of Nationalist and Eurosceptic Rhetoric
Nicușor Dan’s victory marks a rejection of the nationalist and eurosceptic rhetoric that dominated his opponent’s campaign, signaling Romania’s intention to remain on a pro-European path amid increasing pressure from the far right in the region.
Dan's election is likely to be welcomed in Brussels, which viewed the Romanian race as a key test of EU cohesion. However, he will face a fragmented parliament and the challenge of engaging with a vocal far-right opposition.
His inauguration is expected on June 1.
Euronews: The Highest Stakes in Post-December History
The stakes have never been higher in Romania's post-communist history, as Romanians voted on Sunday in a polarized political race in the presidential elections, where centrist Nicușor Dan faced off against nationalist George Simion.
However, everything is still in play due to the projection nature of exit polls and the unprecedented votes from the diaspora, which are not considered in these estimates and therefore could continue to decide the race where over 11 million Romanians voted (with a 64% voter turnout).
But the voting trend in the final hours may further affect these estimates, setting the stage for a dramatic election night in what most Romanians consider their most important vote in post-communist history.
Additionally, the relative nature of exit poll projections from previous elections, another sign of Romania's highly polarized presidential battle, means that the official count and the results from the diaspora votes will now keep Romania in suspense in the coming hours until the announcement of the final official result.
Politico: Dan's Victory Will Ease Fears in Brussels
Nicușor Dan's victory, if confirmed by official results, will ease fears in Brussels and other European capitals that Romania - a country of 19 million people that is a key member of the EU and NATO - would strongly veer to the right.
The elections were closely watched in Washington, where Trump administration officials supported the country's potential rightward shift. US Vice President JD Vance criticized Romanian authorities in February for canceling the first attempt to hold the presidential elections last November.
Sky News: Nicuşor Dan is on the Path to a Surprise Victory
Polls in the Romanian presidential elections suggest that centrist pro-Western Nicuşor Dan is on the path to a surprise victory over right-wing populist George Simion.
Corriere della Sera: A Day Marked by High Voter Turnout and Fraud Accusations
Post-closing polls for the second round of the Romanian presidential elections show independent pro-European Nicușor Dan in the lead, although they do not include the decisive vote of the diaspora, which overwhelmingly favored ultra-nationalist George Simion in the first round.
Analysts urge caution, emphasizing that these polls have recorded significant errors in the past and that the votes of Romanian emigrants have not yet been counted; 60% of them voted for Simion in the first round.
The day was marked by high voter turnout, fraud allegations reported by Simion and dismissed by Romanian authorities, who in turn highlight new signs of Russian interference in the electoral process.
La Repubblica: A Result Contrary to the Pre-Election Polls
Bucharest Mayor Nicuşor Dan is poised to win the second round of the presidential elections, according to two exit polls, in a result that, if confirmed, would contradict the pre-election polls and should reassure Bucharest's Western allies regarding their support for Ukraine and integration into the EU, writes La Repubblica, the article being featured on the Italian newspaper's website.
Official results are expected later, but should arrive during the evening. Polls closed at 9 p.m., after which the vote counting will begin.
Dan spoke immediately after the release of the exit polls. "This vote demonstrates that Romanians want dialogue, not hatred. Our society has shown impressive strength," he said. He then continued, warning citizens: "Difficult economic times are ahead."
However, his opponent, Simion, immediately contested the exit poll data, claiming that, according to his estimations, he has 400,000 more votes.