Romania’s new leader told POLITICO how he will approach international affairs and what he will do to rebuild trust in a democracy battered by corruption, economic strife and Russian meddling.

Nicușor Dan, a mathematician and civic activist turned politician and mayor of Bucharest, made history by becoming Romania's new president as an independent candidate, securing 53.6% of the vote in a landmark election.

Pro-European voters across Romania celebrated the defeat of Simion, a nationalist populist known for his pro-Russian rhetoric. This result was made possible by a record-breaking voter turnout — the highest in 20 years — with 65% of eligible voters participating in the second round.