Nicușor Dan sworn in as the fifth Romania’s President, pledges reform and unity

Despite the challenges ahead, Dan's inauguration has been welcomed by European allies and investors, signaling a reaffirmation of Romania’s pro-Western stance and a commitment to democratic principles

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President of Romania, Nicușor Dan | Photo by presidency.ro

On Monday, May 26, 2025, Nicușor Dan was officially sworn in as Romania’s fifth president after the anti-communist Revolution in 1989, marking the end of a prolonged political crisis and the beginning of a new chapter for the nation.

The 55-year-old former mathematician and civic activist took the oath of office during a joint session of Parliament, pledging to serve the Romanian people with integrity and to spearhead significant reforms. In his inaugural address, Dan emphasized the need for a ”fundamental change” in governance and called for active civic engagement to drive institutional reform.

As president, Dan faces the immediate challenge of appointing a prime minister capable of uniting Romania’s fragmented political landscape. The country is grappling with a significant budget deficit, currently at 9.3% of GDP, and Dan has pledged to implement economic reforms aimed at reducing this figure.

Dan’s background as a civic activist and his tenure as mayor of Bucharest have earned him a reputation for integrity and effective governance. His presidency is expected to maintain Romania’s pro-European direction and NATO alignment, alongside domestic reforms targeting corruption and fiscal improvements.

Dan’s ascent to the presidency follows a tumultuous electoral period

The initial 2024 election was annulled due to allegations of electoral violations and foreign interference, leading to widespread political instability. In the subsequent rerun held on May 18, 2025, Dan secured a decisive victory over far-right, pro-Russian candidate George Simion, garnering 53.6% of the vote.