On May 18, 2025, Romania elected Nicușor Dan as its next president by 53.6 percent of the vote, marking a significant moment in the country’s political evolution. Votes by the one million-strong ethnic Hungarian minority, Moldovans and a pro-western diaspora surge for Transylvanian native Dan broke extremist George Simion’s prior advantage. At stake was the direction of the country, including the preservation of ethnic minorities’ rights and political representation.

Hunor Kelemen, RMDSZ headquarters, election night.

A new episode of the HHRF Romania Dispatch podcast is now available, offering timely analysis and firsthand accounts of the milestone election in Romanian history.

All Transylvanian counties and Bucharest voted for Dan. Harghita/Hargita County with the largest ethnic Hungarian population scores the largest percentage in the country.

🎧 Listen to the full episode on YouTube.

In this episode:

Hosted by Zsolt Moldován, HHRF’s Romania representative, and Peyton Snyder, Reconnect Transylvania+ Fellow, the podcast provides:

🔹   Direct coverage from election night at RMDSZ headquarters in Kolozsvár/Cluj-Napoca, breakdown of the numbers and demographics

🔹 Analysis of the emerging political landscape under President-elect Dan

🔹 Expert insights into potential ramifications for Romania’s Hungarian minority