Transylvanian-Hungarian Party Backs Liberal Candidate Nicușor Dan
Transylvanian-Hungarian Party Backs Nicușor Dan in Romanian Presidential Elections
The Hungarian Alliance of Transylvania (EMSZ) is rallying its supporters to endorse independent candidate Nicușor Dan in the upcoming second round of the Romanian presidential elections, scheduled for May 18. The party expressed this call in an official statement released on Monday.
In the first round of the repeat elections held last Sunday, the EMSZ stated that Romanian citizens sent a resounding message for change, rejecting what they termed "the people of the past." This sentiment is particularly significant as the EMSZ, a smaller opposition party, challenges the ruling Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania (RMDSZ), which is aligned with the European People’s Party. The party indicated concerns over the RMDSZ’s acceptance of the annulment of the December 2024 elections, which they argue is based on dubious legal foundations.
According to the EMSZ, the current governing coalition, consisting of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), the National Liberal Party (PNL), and RMDSZ, faced historic setbacks, with their joint candidate Crin Antonescu securing only 20% of the vote. The opposition party interpreted this as a clear indication that a significant majority—80%—of citizens demand an end to a system characterized by political privileges, corruption, and ineptitude.
Notably, while over four-fifths of Romanian voters leaned toward opposition candidates, a portion of the Hungarian community expressed dissent by abstaining from the polls. The EMSZ remarked on the lower turnout in regions with sizeable Hungarian populations, emphasizing that nearly one-third of Hungarian voters did not support the ruling party’s candidates, despite substantial public funds allocated to the election campaign.
In a positive light, EMSZ highlighted the substantial support for Nicușor Dan, noting that he has garnered tens of thousands of Hungarian backers. However, the party also viewed the nearly 10% of Hungarian voters who backed George Simion—known for his anti-Hungarian sentiments—as a concerning indicator.
Prior to the first round, the EMSZ had urged its community to support Dan, whom they described as the only pro-Western candidate committed to democracy and respect for local governance.
Looking to the second round, the EMSZ emphasized the pivotal choice facing voters: to advocate for a future rooted in work, performance, and administrative experience, or to succumb to unfulfilled promises, political strife, and extreme nationalism. The party encouraged its community members to mobilize efforts over the next two weeks to secure Dan’s victory.
Profile of Nicușor Dan
Nicușor Dan, born on December 20, 1969, in southern Transylvania, has an academic background in mathematics from the Sorbonne. He began his public service career by campaigning against illegal construction in Bucharest to protect its architectural heritage. Initially running as a candidate for the Save Bucharest Union (USB) party he founded in 2015, Dan faced defeat in the 2016 mayoral election but was elected as an independent mayor in 2020, with support from various right-wing factions. His USB initiative led to the formation of the Save Romania Union (USR) party, which gained traction in the 2016 elections.
Recently, Dan has emphasized that Romanian society must choose between competing trajectories: a pro-Western path versus an anti-Western alternative, and a culture of dialogue against one of division. He has called for a meaningful social debate during the electoral campaign, urging politicians to step back to foster open discussions on the nation’s future.
As the second round approaches, the EMSZ’s endorsement of Nicușor Dan signals a critical moment in Romanian politics, with implications that extend beyond party lines and resonate with the wider electorate.
