Romania’s pro-EU candidate defeats far-right rival in presidential election

Romania’s pro-European Union presidential candidate Nicușor Dan won the country’s presidential election Sunday, defeating his ultranationalist rival, CNN writes.

With 100% of the votes counted, the centrist candidate won nearly 54% of the ballots cast, a clear win over hard-right candidate George Simion, who is a fan of U.S. President Donald Trump.

Simion, who opposes providing military aid to Ukraine and is critical of the EU, looked on track to win the election after he swept the first round on May 4. However, Dan gained ground after trouncing Simion in a televised debate.

He also encouraged his supporters to “have patience,” saying a “difficult period lies ahead, but necessary in order to balance the economy of this country, to build the foundations of a healthy society.”