Nicușor Dan was formally sworn in as the President of Romania on Monday, marking the beginning of his first term in office after securing victory in the second round of presidential elections held on 18 May.
The inauguration ceremony took place during a joint session of the Romanian Parliament, shortly after the Constitutional Court confirmed Dan’s mandate last Thursday. The event was attended by parliamentarians, members of the judiciary, representatives of civil society, and international observers.
During the ceremony, President Dan took the constitutional oath of office, placing his right hand on both the Bible and the Romanian Constitution. In his address to Parliament, he pledged to serve as “a president open to the voice of society,” committing himself to national unity and constitutional order.
“I swear to dedicate all my strength and abilities to the spiritual and material prosperity of the Romanian people, to uphold the Constitution and the laws of the country, to defend democracy, fundamental rights and freedoms, sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of Romania. So help me God,” Dan declared from the parliamentary rostrum.
Dan, who has served as the Mayor of Bucharest since 2020, entered the presidential race as an independent with liberal leanings. He prevailed over far-right challenger George Simion in what analysts described as one of the most polarising campaigns in recent Romanian political history.
The second round was characterised by record levels of participation from the Romanian diaspora. Voting stations were active across Europe, North America, and elsewhere, where Romanians living abroad turned out in significant numbers to back Dan. According to the Central Electoral Bureau, he secured a clear majority of votes in nearly all overseas polling stations.
Simion, leader of the nationalist Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), had filed an appeal to the Constitutional Court seeking the annulment of the election results, citing alleged irregularities. The court dismissed the complaint last week, clearing the way for Monday’s swearing-in.
The final results of the second round gave Dan approximately 58% of the vote, compared to Simion’s 42%. The outcome has been interpreted by observers as a rejection of nationalist rhetoric and a vote in favour of institutional stability and continued alignment with European democratic norms.
Dan’s rise to the presidency follows a political career marked by his background in mathematics, civic activism, and urban planning. A founding member of the Save Romania Union (USR), he later distanced himself from party structures to run as an independent. His tenure as mayor was defined by efforts to modernise Bucharest’s infrastructure, improve administrative transparency, and strengthen the capital’s environmental policies.
In his inauguration speech, Dan outlined his presidential priorities, which include consolidating democratic institutions, safeguarding the rule of law, and fostering national cohesion. He also made reference to the economic and security challenges facing Romania, without offering detailed policy proposals.
The new president assumes office at a time of regional instability, with Romania maintaining a frontline role within NATO’s eastern flank. The country has also experienced domestic tensions over judicial reform, energy policy, and public trust in state institutions.
Dan’s election is seen by many as a potential turning point for Romania’s political trajectory, particularly in light of growing concerns across Europe over the rise of far-right movements. His first tasks are expected to include consultations with the government and parliamentary leaders, as well as meetings with Romania’s international partners.
Nicușor Dan replaces outgoing president Klaus Iohannis, who completed two five-year terms. Iohannis had previously endorsed no candidate in the second round but made statements throughout his presidency in favour of EU and NATO integration, themes that Dan is also expected to continue.
As Dan begins his term, attention will shift to the formation of his presidential administration and the immediate diplomatic agenda.
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