Romania's Constitutional Court has validated the results of the presidential runoff vote, confirming Nicusor Dan, the pro-European mayor of Bucharest, as the winner. The court unanimously rejected an appeal by his far-right rival, George Simion, who contested the election results after losing decisively on Sunday. Dan secured 53.6% of the vote, winning by over 829,000 votes. Despite Simion winning almost twice as many votes as Dan in the first-round vote on May 4, the runoff favored Dan.

Simion's request for annulment alleged interference by France and Moldova. However, election authorities and independent observers affirmed the election was well-organized and fair. Following the court's ruling, a brief ceremony was held, where Dan expressed his gratitude to the Romanian people for their participation in the May elections, stating that their turnout gave legitimacy to his presidency. He acknowledged the responsibilities of his mandate and the numerous challenges facing a deeply divided country, expressing hope for overcoming these challenges.

In response to the court's decision, Simion took to Facebook, denouncing the court's actions as a "coup d'etat" and urging his supporters to join him in fighting the results. This follows a prior instance six months ago when the Constitutional Court canceled Romania's initial presidential election, where far-right outsider Calin Georgescu led after the first round. That decision was based on allegations of electoral violations and Russian interference, which Moscow denied. Georgescu was subsequently barred from participating in the re-run.

The election turmoil has plunged Romania into a significant political crisis, intensified by the war in neighboring Ukraine and a considerable budget deficit. Dan, a 55-year-old former mathematician and civic activist, is expected to be sworn in as president on Monday, marking what he hopes will be a new chapter in Romania's history.