Romania’s Constitutional Court has canceled the presidential election following concerns over Russian interference. Security services warned that Moscow had launched “aggressive” hybrid actions against the Eastern European nation, including influence campaigns similar to those seen in Ukraine and Moldova. The court’s decision comes after ultranationalist candidate Călin Georgescu’s unexpected victory in the first round of voting, fueled by a TikTok campaign linked to Russian influence.
The annulment has sparked political chaos, with protests erupting in Bucharest and accusations of manipulation by the old political establishment. Elena Lasconi, a liberal candidate set to face Georgescu in the second round, condemned the move, calling it an attack on democracy. She expressed that the Romanian people would hold accountable those responsible for undermining the election process.
The decision is unprecedented in Romania’s history and has raised concerns about the country’s stability. Georgescu’s anti-NATO, pro-Russia stance had already alarmed pro-Western citizens, leading to mass demonstrations in support of Romania’s international alliances.
Intelligence files declassified by the Romanian government revealed that 25,000 pro-Georgescu accounts flooded social media platforms ahead of the first round. These revelations heightened fears that the election had been compromised by foreign influence.
Now, the court has ordered that the election be redone, leaving Romania’s political future uncertain. The country’s government, already in turmoil following split results in parliamentary elections, now faces the challenge of organizing fresh presidential elections amidst a tense political climate.
NEWS DESK
PRESS UPDATE