A pro-European Union centrist pulled off an upset in Romania’s presidential election, beating out a hard-right nationalist who had channeled people’s anger at the political establishment to surge in the polls.

Defeating populists never signals an easy return to the status quo ante.

There was a wave of euphoria and relief across Europe following the election of pro-European liberal Nicusor Dan as Romania’s new president. Moldovan President Maia Sandu echoed the sentiment: “Congratulations,

As of midnight on May 18th Romania’s election authorities reported he had taken 54% of the vote to Mr Simion’s 46%. The turnout was a record for a Romanian presidential election. The country’s enormous diaspora,

Romania’s finance chief said a new government will need to move quickly to fix state finances even after the election of Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan as president helped soothe market turmoil that’s engulfed the Black Sea nation.

JPMorgan said on Monday that an election win by Romania's centrist Bucharest mayor Nicusor Dan is reducing political risk ahead and that a sovereign ratings downgrade to below investment grade was now less of a concern.

Sunday’s presidential election in Romania could have significant implications for NATO and the European Union if the ultranationalist candidate wins.

When Romania's presidential election was annulled late last year after claims of Russian interference, a far-right conspiracy theorist was blocked from the top job.Many Romanians were deeply relieved;