Bucharest (AFP) – Romania’s constitutional court on Thursday validated the results of the presidential run-off vote at the weekend, won by pro-European Nicusor Dan, after rejecting an appeal by his defeated far-right rival.
The court said it “unanimously rejected the request to annul the elections, deeming it unfounded”.
Dan is expected to be sworn in as president on Monday.
“A new chapter now begins in Romania’s recent and contemporary history,” he told reporters.
He added that he was “fully aware of the responsibility” entrusted to him, as “many challenges” lie ahead in a deeply divided and heavily indebted country.
This month’s election was a re-run of a presidential ballot in November that the constitutional court annulled over allegations of Russian interference and the massive social media promotion of the far-right frontrunner, who was not allowed to stand again.
“The court continues its coup d’etat!” Simion reacted on Facebook after his appeal was rejected.
“All we can do is fight! I invite you to join me, today and in the weeks to come!” he posted.
After comfortably topping the first-round ballot on May 4, Simion was soundly defeated by Dan in Sunday’s run-off vote, who won almost 54 percent of the vote.
Unlike the pro-European Union Dan, an independent who promised an “honest” Romania, Simion criticised what he said were the EU’s “absurd policies” and vowed to stop aid to neighbouring war-torn Ukraine.