Nicușor Dan Sworn in as Romania’s New President, Calls for Reform and National Unity
Bucharest, The Gulf Observer: Nicușor Dan, the former mayor of Bucharest, was officially sworn in as Romania’s new president during a solemn joint session of Parliament on Monday, marking the start of his presidential mandate. The ceremony was attended by dignitaries including former presidents Traian Băsescu and Emil Constantinescu, Princess Margareta, Patriarch Daniel, as well as government officials, diplomats, and political leaders.
The president of the Constitutional Court, Marian Enache, opened the session by validating Dan’s electoral victory, after which the president-elect took the oath of office. In his first address as head of state, Dan struck a tone of urgency and unity, calling for a “fundamental change within the limits of the rule of law.”
“I thank you for the impressive debate you’ve had in recent weeks,” he said, acknowledging the civic engagement of Romanian voters. “Society has shown itself to be alive and strong.”
Dan outlined a comprehensive reform agenda spanning fiscal discipline, economic development, healthcare, education, justice, environmental protection, and social policy. He warned of the country’s growing budget deficit, urging Parliament to support a stable government capable of delivering essential fiscal reforms. “We are spending more than we can afford,” he stated. “This is about Romania’s immediate future.”
Among his key proposals were:
- Combating large-scale tax evasion
- Streamlining public spending and attracting investment
- Modernizing the healthcare and education systems
- Reforming the justice sector, including faster case resolution and changes to magistrate promotion
- Protecting the environment through structural changes at Romsilva and more active oversight
On foreign policy, Dan reaffirmed Romania’s commitment to NATO and the EU, support for Moldova’s European path, and closer ties with the United States.
Addressing the Romanian diaspora, he pledged to improve consular services, provide language instruction abroad, and develop programs to help those wishing to return home.
“Romania has hard-working, honest people… in the country, in the diaspora, in Moldova, and in surrounding territories,” Dan said in closing. “Together, we cannot fail.”
Following the ceremony, Dan traveled to the Cotroceni Presidential Palace, where he was received by interim president Ilie Bolojan. A formal handover took place in the palace courtyard, followed by a private discussion between the two leaders.
Looking ahead, President Dan’s immediate task is to nominate a new prime minister. While he has signaled support for Ilie Bolojan, formal consultations with all parliamentary parties are required before any appointment can be made.
