Nicusor Dan, a Liberal mayor from Romania, emerges victorious in a closely contested election for the presidency.

The liberal, pro-EU mayor of Bucharest, Nicusor Dan, has fought off a strong challenge from a Romanian right-wing nationalist to win the presidency after months of political turbulence.

George Simion, the leader of the far-right AUR party, won a dramatic first-round victory earlier this month, riding a wave of anger from Romanians who had seen the presidential race annulled late last year because of claims of Russian interference.

But it was the softly spoken Nicusor Dan who swept to victory, winning 54% of the vote in Romania, even though Simion was more successful in the diaspora.

“We need to build Romania together irrespective of who you voted for,” said Dan, once his victory was secure.

More than 11.6 million Romanians voted in Sunday’s run-off, and Dan attracted the support of more than six million of them.

The mathematician waited until after midnight on Sunday before he could be absolutely sure that the numbers were on his side and he could join his supporters in a park opposite City Hall in Bucharest.

They went wild, chanting his name and cheering. At one point he was almost mobbed but this was a huge moment for the president-elect and for his supporters after months of political tension.

“A community of Romanians who want a profound change in Romania won,” Dan said.

Mihai, one of many Dan supporters who gathered outside his electoral headquarters in the capital, told the BBC he was “really worried about Simion”.

“I want to choose the pro-European way. It’s the only way. It’s really important,” he added.

Andrea, who came with her young daughter, told the BBC: “We are so happy, we wanted to be here with other supporters of Nicosur.

“This means a better future for our children, for us. A good life for all of us, and an honest Romania.”

However, Nicusor Dan’s voters came out in even bigger numbers both in Romania and abroad. In neighbouring Moldova 87% of Romanians backed the mayor of Bucharest.

The presidents of both Moldova and Ukraine congratulated him on his victory.

“Moldova and Romania stand together, supporting one another and working side by side for a peaceful, democratic, and European future for all our citizens,” said Maia Sandu.

“For Ukraine, as a neighbour and friend, it is important to have Romania as a reliable partner,” said Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on social media that Romanians had turned out in massive numbers and had “chosen the promise of an open, prosperous Romania in a strong Europe”.

In the end this was an emphatic “No” vote to a staunch nationalist with an isolationist vision for Romania, a known provocateur and a man whose commitment to EU membership and to the bloc’s core values was not clear.

Despite his strong showing in round one, those Romanians who worried about what he stood for appear to have rallied to block him from power.

But Simion did win a significant chunk of the vote, and his message will still resonate with many.