Romania’s highest security agency is investigating potential foreign interference in the first round of presidential elections held on Sunday. Călin Georgescu, a far-right candidate, emerged as the frontrunner, securing nearly 23% of the vote despite pre-election polls showing him with single-digit support. Georgescu will face center-right candidate Elena Lasconi, who finished second with 19%, in a runoff on December 8. The same day, Romania will hold parliamentary elections.
The Supreme Council of National Defense, led by current President Klaus Iohannis, is convening to assess possible national security threats linked to cyberattacks by both state and non-state actors. The council is also looking into claims of media manipulation, particularly the role of TikTok in shaping voter opinion.
Protests erupted in Bucharest following Georgescu’s surprising performance. His political views, including questioning NATO’s and the EU’s support for Ukraine in its war against Russia, have raised eyebrows. He has also praised 1930s fascist politicians as Romanian heroes.
In a video posted on social media, Georgescu clarified his stance on NATO and the EU, emphasizing Romania’s national interest while distancing himself from pro-Russian sentiments. Despite his far-right leanings, he has expressed support for a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict, aligning with other European leaders like Hungary’s Viktor Orban.
Economic pressures, including inflation, have also fueled dissatisfaction with Romania’s traditional political parties. Georgescu’s support appears particularly strong among young voters and the diaspora, notably through TikTok, where he has gained significant traction compared to his rivals. His platform, which includes traditionalist and conservative values, resonates with rural and conservative voters.
The EU is closely monitoring the unfolding electoral process, with the European Commission being asked to investigate the impact of social media platforms like TikTok in potential election manipulation. With tensions rising, Romania faces uncertainty as the presidential runoff approaches.
