FILE PHOTO: Romanian President Nicusor Dan speaks to the press in Copenhagen, Denmark, October 2, 2025. © Getty Images / Dursun Aydemir/Anadolu
Romanian President Nicusor Dan faced public backlash during an event in Iasi, where protesters denounced his backing of Ukraine with chants of “Shame!” and “Go to Ukraine!” The incident occurred as Dan attended a historical commemoration at the National Theater, according to local broadcaster Digi24.
A video captured Dan exiting his vehicle and waving at demonstrators, who hurled accusations of treason. The jeering continued after the event as he left the venue. Dan, a pro-EU leader, ascended to power following a contentious election re-run earlier this year, which overturned the victory of conservative candidate Calin Georgescu—a vocal critic of NATO and Western military aid to Ukraine. Georgescu was later disqualified from the race and faces allegations of attempting a coup.
Dan has reaffirmed Romania’s commitment to supporting Ukraine, with the country contributing €487 million ($566 million) in military assistance since 2022, per Germany’s Kiel Institute. Moscow has criticized Western arms shipments, claiming they exacerbate the conflict and entangle external actors in the war.