Romanian president reveals Macron’s worries over future role in European security

Newly elected Romanian President Nicușor Dan has said that French President Emmanuel Macron expressed concern that Romania might block aid to Ukraine and Moldova and obstruct Europe’s rearmament efforts if George Simion’s presidential candidacy were successful.

Dan has been elected president of Romania, defeating far-right nationalist George Simion. Dan, 55, cast his vote at School Number 4 on May 18 in his hometown of Făgăraș, where he was born and spent part of the pandemic before becoming mayor of Bucharest in 2020, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

Despite trailing after the first round — Simion secured 41 per cent to Dan’s 21 — the former mayor pulled off a surprise victory, welcomed across Europe by centrist leaders concerned about the rise of nationalist movements. The two candidates only faced off once in a lengthy televised debate. Observers noted Dan’s calm demeanor and structured responses contrasted sharply with Simion’s aggressive attacks. 

The debate helped shift public perception in Dan’s favor. Simion, aligned with Donald Trump and Italy’s Giorgia Meloni, ran on a staunchly anti-establishment platform. He sparked international controversy by accusing French President Emmanuel Macron of having “dictatorial tendencies.” Concerned about Simion’s agenda, Macron spoke with Dan in a call arranged by former Romanian Prime Minister Dacian Cioloș. 

“Macron was extremely friendly with me, and also concerned because it’s not just a Romanian question,” Dan said, adding that Macron feared Simion would hinder support for Ukraine and Moldova and disrupt European defense policy. Dan vowed to deepen European defense ties while maintaining strong US relations. “I want to maintain the partnership with the United States. But supporting the European effort to strengthen European security… and of course increasing defense expenditures,” he said.

By Naila Huseynova