Nicuşor Dan, the favorite of BURSA newspaper readers in the presidential elections

Independent candidate Nicuşor Dan is the favorite of BURSA newspaper readers in the second round of the presidential elections to be held on Sunday, May 18. According to a survey conducted by BURSA newspaper between May 12-15, in which over 4,000 readers participated, when asked "Who will you vote for in the second round of the presidential elections?", 77% of respondents said they would vote for Nicuşor Dan, while George Simion obtained only 23% of the votes.

BURSA newspaper readers do not represent an ordinary electoral segment, but rather an educated one, with a deep understanding of economic mechanisms, aligned with the values of free entrepreneurship, institutional transparency and Western integration. These readers do not vote impulsively, but carefully evaluate the candidates' profile, their professional background, the consistency of the message and the ability to deliver solutions in a functioning democratic environment. The overwhelming choice in favor of Nicuşor Dan must be understood precisely from this perspective: he is perceived as an exponent of a rational type of politics, devoid of populism, concerned with administrative reform and solid institutional construction. He proposes a political model oriented towards efficiency, respect for the law and international cooperation, which makes him credible for an electorate that is well aware of the impact of stability and good governance on the business climate and social life. On the other hand, the score obtained by George Simion, of 23%, highlights a marginal presence in the options of this public, suggesting a rejection of the radical, conflictual and often Eurosceptic discourse that the AUR leader promotes. Through the lens of this percentage, it can be said that the people who read the BURSA newspaper do not find themselves in a rhetoric based on parade nationalism, on the rejection of Western values or on the constant attack on the fundamental institutions of the state. The lack of a coherent economic platform, the ambiguity in relation to Romania's international commitments and the authoritarian accents in George Simion's speech are, for this type of voter, clear signals of incompatibility.

Thus, the survey results become more than a simple indicator of electoral preference. They outline an x-ray of the values that the readers of the BURSA newspaper value and want to be reaffirmed in the public space: respect for democracy, a firm orientation towards the European Union, balance in political discourse, respect for institutions and a genuine commitment to modernizing the country. In a society where polarization is becoming increasingly accentuated, this clearly expressed option shows that there is still a consistent core of citizens who think in the long term, who understand the complexity of political and economic processes and who do not let themselves be seduced by dangerous simplifications.