BUCHAREST — Nicușor Dan speaks thoughtfully, weighing each word as if the future of democracy hinges on it. He may indeed represent the West’s best hope for Romania amidst a political crisis.
The 55-year-old, known for his anti-corruption stance, is running to become the president of Romania, the EU’s sixth most populous nation. This contest has already sparked a constitutional crisis and raised alarms among prominent figures in the Trump administration.
Last December’s presidential elections in Romania were nullified due to claims of Russian interference, suspicious financing, and a questionable TikTok campaign that propelled a little-known far-right candidate, Călin Georgescu, to the forefront.
Despite the allegations of external meddling, Georgescu maintained significant popularity, according to polling data, positioning himself for a successful outcome in the May election rerun until he was banned outright by election authorities.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance and tech mogul Elon Musk have cited Romania as a prime example of the pitfalls of European politics, condemning the prohibition of Georgescu as a blatant affront to democracy.
In an interview with POLITICO, Dan refrains from directly challenging U.S. interventions, attributing them to a lack of understanding. He argues that Vance and Musk are not adequately informed about the circumstances surrounding the election, and he believes this is partly due to insufficient evidence presented by Romanian authorities.
“It doesn’t reflect well on Romania’s image, and we must clarify everything,” Dan states regarding American criticisms. “They are entitled to their opinions, but I believe the Romanian electorate is more focused on the candidates’ visions for the future.”
Early polling indicates that another far-right leader, George Simion, is set to capture a significant portion of Georgescu’s supporters, likely leading in the May 4 election rerun. Dan has a strong chance of winning the presidency if he progresses to the second round on May 18, but the race remains competitive.
The stakes are high for Romania, a nation of 19 million situated on the EU’s eastern frontier, strategically important due to its proximity to Ukraine and its NATO base, during a precarious period for Western alliances.
If Simion prevails, the implications for EU politics could be profound: a potential Viktor Orbán-style disruptor at the helm of a country twice the size of Hungary, amplifying nationalist sentiments within European politics.
Simion characterizes his Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) as “somewhat of a Trumpist party” and has vowed to cease military support for Ukraine. He also advocates for the unification of Moldova and Romania, having faced multiple bans from entering Moldova.
This trend of rising far-right sentiment is not unique to Romania, as similar movements gain traction in France, Germany, Austria, and Italy. Why, then, is Romania next in line? Dan reflects before sharing his insights.
“There exists a latent dissatisfaction within Romanian society,” he explains from his Bucharest office, which he has presided over since 2020. “A significant portion of the population is beginning to realize and express that the current state of affairs is unsatisfactory… Many believe that any alternative is preferable to the existing system.”
The Professor
Dan, a talented mathematician with two perfect scores in the International Mathematics Olympiad, possesses a philosophical outlook and retains an academic aura.
This sharply contrasts with Georgescu, who has appeared in TikTok videos dressed in traditional attire, asserting that he does not require a political party because Romania itself is his party.
Dan is committed to supporting Ukraine against Russia and upholding Romania’s alliances with the West, including active participation in NATO and EU matters. He believes that America and Europe share a common civilizational framework.
“The United States and Europe represent a unified model of civilization that stands in opposition to alternative models,” he remarks. “Thus, we must unite in this conflict of civilizations.”
However, Dan expresses concern that Trump’s approach may inadvertently grant Russian President Vladimir Putin an advantage in his quest for peace in Ukraine, urging a more balanced U.S. strategy in negotiations.
“Pursuing peace in Ukraine is entirely legitimate; everyone desires it,” he acknowledges. “However, we have observed significant pressure on Ukraine without corresponding pressure on Russia. The U.S. administration has the means to apply financial sanctions and influence oil prices, yet such actions have not been pursued.”
“The resolution of the conflict in Ukraine is crucial for Romania and European security… The pressure on both sides has not been equitable, and I fear Putin is better positioned internationally than he was a month ago.”
‘A Big Fail’
Ongoing investigations seek to clarify what transpired during last year’s initial voting round in Romania, which Dan deems a “significant failure” of the institutions tasked with safeguarding democracy. He is exasperated that authorities have yet to provide a comprehensive account of events, allowing conspiracy theories to flourish.
Historically, Romania distanced itself from Moscow during the Cold War, remaining skeptical of Soviet control while fostering ties with the West. This legacy is not lost on either Putin or Dan.
“Romanians have vivid recollections of what Russia signifies,” Dan asserts. “I believe the Russian regime and Mr. Putin aim to destabilize Romania’s democratic framework, as well as that of the broader European region. This is part of his hybrid warfare against Europe.”
Allegations of Russian election interference in Moldova’s recent presidential election, which ultimately failed, highlight the challenges posed by disinformation, according to Dan. If confirmed in Romania, this interference could serve as a vital lesson for Romanians about the perils of misinformation and the means by which malicious actors can exploit social media to undermine democratic institutions.
He positions Simion, the 38-year-old AUR party leader, as sympathetic to Russia and a potential threat to Romania’s pro-Western stance. Dan’s other main rival, Crin Antonescu, represents the unpopular political establishment.
Dan gained prominence through his battle against corruption, striving to restore credibility to Bucharest’s administration.
“In many respects, I am an anti-establishment politician,” he reflects. “People see me as a critic of the current political system, juxtaposed with an integrity that is often absent in other politicians. I believe that the persona carries more weight than the program.”
While he may be correct, the allure of far-right politics remains potent, and voter disillusionment is widespread.
Although Dan never intended to enter politics, he founded the Save Romania Union in response to a perceived need for change. He subsequently left the party to run as an independent candidate.
As he manages the capital city, he has alternative paths should Romanian voters opt for a different direction in May.
“If I were to leave politics, I would return to being a mathematician,” he states. “Many fail to recognize that mathematics closely resembles art and literature. It involves self-discovery and constructing abstract objects. While it is inherently rational, it also requires significant introspection.”
“What defines me is an immense curiosity to learn about myself, the world, and my country.”
