Mayor of Bucharest Wants to Become President

Romanian politics has a new contender stepping into the spotlight. Nicușor Dan, the current Mayor of Bucharest, has officially announced his intention to run for the presidency in the 2025 elections. His candidacy represents a turning point in his political career, highlighting both his rising popularity and the shifting landscape of Romania’s political arena.

Activism (And Conservatism?)

Born on December 20, 1969, in Făgăraș, Brașov County, Nicușor Dan’s path from mathematician and activist to prominent political figure is anything but ordinary. Focused on preserving Bucharest’s urban heritage and promoting civic engagement, his activism began in the early 2000s when Romania’s rapid urban development often came at the cost of historical landmarks and public spaces. Dan emerged as a vocal advocate for responsible urban planning, spearheading efforts to protect Bucharest’s architectural identity and environment.

In 2006, he founded the Save Bucharest Association (Asociația Salvați Bucureștiul), a non-governmental organization dedicated to defending the city’s cultural heritage and natural landscapes. The association quickly became a critical voice in opposing unlawful demolitions and poorly planned construction projects. Under Dan’s leadership, the organization filed over 300 lawsuits against municipal authorities and developers, winning numerous cases that halted illegal building permits and safeguarded historical sites.

One of his most significant victories was the successful legal battle to protect the Matache Market area, an emblematic part of Bucharest threatened by urban redevelopment plans. Although not all efforts achieved complete success, Dan’s persistence brought increased public attention to the importance of urban conservation and responsible governance.

Fast-forward to 2016, and we find Dan founding a new project, one that will forever change the trajectory of his life – the Save Romania Union (USR), a political party that quickly garnered attention for its strong anti-corruption stance and commitment to transparency. Later part of the Renew Europe group in the European Parliament, USR became a platform for challenging entrenched political practices.

Dan’s leap into politics was driven by his determination to address systemic issues plaguing governance in Romania. However, his time as the leader of USR was not without controversy. In a pivotal moment, Dan resigned from the party’s leadership following an internal disagreement over whether the party should take a clear stance on supporting same-sex marriage. He had argued that the party should avoid “identity politics” and instead focus solely on fighting corruption. When his position was defeated, Dan stepped down.

Despite this setback, Dan’s political career didn’t falter. In 2020, he was elected Mayor of Bucharest as an independent candidate, running on a platform of reform. His time as mayor has been marked by significant efforts to tackle corruption, upgrade the city’s infrastructure, and improve essential services. Although his tenure hasn’t been without obstacles, including political resistance and bureaucratic challenges, Dan’s persistence has earned him respect among many voters.

The Rise

In recent years, Nicușor Dan’s approval ratings have climbed steadily. A poll conducted in April 2024 suggested he would likely win a second term as mayor, with support ranging from 35% to 37%, comfortably ahead of his main rival, Cristian Popescu Piedone. This growing public approval reflects a widespread belief in his ability to deliver on promises of reform and integrity.

Dan’s decision to run for president comes against an extraordinary political backdrop. The Constitutional Court annulled the 2024 presidential elections due to (yet unproved) allegations of foreign interference, creating a political void. This rare event has opened the door for figures like Dan to present a fresh vision and potentially reshape the country’s leadership.

What Sets Nicușor Dan Apart?

Several factors have positioned Nicușor Dan as a strong presidential contender:

• A Clear Anti-Corruption Focus. Dan’s commitment to fighting corruption has been central to his career. His actions as mayor resonate with a public increasingly demanding honesty and transparency from their leaders.
• The Independent Candidate Appeal. As an independent, Dan can distance himself from the political baggage often associated with major parties. This makes him particularly appealing to voters frustrated by partisan politics.
• Leadership Experience. Managing a complex city like Bucharest has given Dan practical experience in governance, problem-solving, and policy implementation—skills that are vital for a national leader.
• Growing Public Support. Recent polls indicate a rising tide of voter confidence in Dan’s leadership. This support could prove pivotal in a presidential race.

The Rocky Road Ahead

Despite his strengths, Dan faces significant challenges on his path to the presidency. Competing against candidates supported by powerful political machines, such as Crin Antonescu, backed by a coalition including the most entrenched center-left and center-right parties (PNL, PSD, and UDMR), will be no small feat. As an independent, Dan must also navigate the financial and logistical difficulties of running a nationwide campaign without the backing of a party.

Another major issue for Dan could be none other than his former political party and its current president. Elena Lasconi, a journalist and television diva turned politician, is now the head of the aforementioned Save Romania Union (USR). Not only does Mrs. Lasconi intend to run again in the upcoming elections, she considers herself to be a victim of the system that annuled the previous ones, since she was the candidate to ascend to the second round of said elections against Calin Georgescu (the candidate accused by the government of being Russian-backed).

With her sight set on political vengeance and her support base being fairly similar to that of Dan, the reformist vote might be split between the two candidates, resulting in an absurd scenario where neither of the two arrives in the final round, where the top two most voted candidates face off. At the time of writing, the two are negotiating a form of agreement, where one could withdraw in favor of the other if the polls present a significant difference in voter intention, but such agreements rarely come to fruition in Romanian politics.

Furthermore, while his experience as mayor is notable, voters will scrutinize whether he can address broader national and international issues beyond urban governance. His ability to articulate detailed policies on the economy, foreign relations, and social challenges will be under the spotlight. Even more so, he will eventually have to adhere to some shape or form of ideology. Elegantly evading the issue to “focus on what’s important” might not be an option anymore in a very ideologically polarized landscape, as Romania is now.

A New Dawn in Romanian Politics

Nicușor Dan’s presidential bid brings a fresh perspective to Romanian politics. His campaign challenges the dominance of traditional parties and offers an alternative for voters yearning for change and integrity in leadership.

As the 2025 elections draw nearer, Dan’s success will hinge on his ability to present a clear and inspiring vision for Romania’s future. He will need to bridge divides, connect with diverse groups of voters, and provide concrete solutions to the nation’s most pressing issues. Additionally, his ability to navigate international diplomacy—a relatively untested aspect of his leadership—will be a critical factor in convincing the electorate.

In many ways, Nicușor Dan’s candidacy reflects a broader shift in Romanian society—a growing disillusionment with the political establishment and a desire for reform. Whether his story ends with victory or serves as another stepping stone in his political journey, one thing is certain: Dan’s campaign will add a new dimension to the 2025 elections and leave a lasting mark on Romania’s political landscape.