Pro-EU centrist wins tense presidential vote rerun

Nicusor Dan, the centrist mayor of Bucharest, won a tense rerun of Romania's presidential election on Sunday, beating nationalist George Simion in a vote seen as crucial for the direction of the EU and Nato member bordering war-torn Ukraine.

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The ballot came five months after Romania's constitutional court annulled an election over allegations of Russian interference and a massive social media promotion of the far-right frontrunner, who was not allowed to stand again.

Mr Dan, who campaigned for an “honest” Romania, gained close to 54% of the vote, while US President Donald Trump admirer Mr Simion secured some 46%, according to near complete results.

“It's the victory of thousands and thousands of people who [...] believe that Romania can change in the right direction,” Mr Dan, 55, told supporters, who chanted “Europe” and “Russia, Russia, Romania is not yours”.

The turnout this time was close to 65%, compared to 53% for the May 4 first round, in which Mr Simion secured most votes.

“The mobilisation was almost unprecedented,” political scientist Sergiu Miscoiu said, adding “never has an election been so decisive, with clear geopolitical implications”.

Romania's president has significant sway in foreign policy, including holding veto power at EU summits.