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The 2024 Romanian presidential election was marred by allegations of Russian interference, raising concerns over election integrity and the potential geopolitical consequences for NATO and the European Union (EU). Multiple reports from Romanian and international authorities detailed foreign influence efforts, particularly aimed at supporting far-right, pro-Russian candidate Călin Georgescu through the illicit foreign funding of a TikTok campaign.
Subsequent investigations by the National Agency for Fiscal Administration in December 2024 determined that the alleged interference originated with Romania's own National Liberal Party as part of an ill-fated attempt to draw votes from its rivals, and not Russia as previously assumed.
Background
Romania's elections took place in a politically charged environment, with public dissatisfaction over corruption and economic issues fueling the rise of nationalist candidates. The elections coincided with increasing Russian efforts to influence political landscapes across Eastern Europe, including recent interference operations in Moldova and Georgia. Romania, a key NATO and EU member, became a strategic target due to its critical location near the Black Sea and its support for Ukraine during the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Allegations of interference
Cyber and financial influence
The Romanian Supreme Council for National Defense (CSAT) released declassified reports alleging cyberattacks by foreign "state actors" in order to influence the election. These included hacking attempts on Romanian institutions, the spread of disinformation, and the amplification of nationalist rhetoric on social media platforms. The reports also indicated a possibly foreign funding of Călin Georgescu's campaign, supporting digital outreach and disinformation campaigns.
Role of social media
TikTok played a pivotal role in Georgescu's campaign, raising concerns about the platform's vulnerability to manipulation. Romanian authorities accused TikTok of allowing the proliferation of fake accounts and foreign-sponsored content promoting Georgescu. The European Commission launched an investigation under the Digital Services Act to assess TikTok's role in enabling election manipulation. Romanian regulators even considered suspending the platform during the election, citing its alleged failure to address disinformation and its impact on public trust.
International reactions
The U.S. Department of State and the EU expressed strong concerns about the allegations. The U.S. emphasized Romania's importance as a NATO ally and its role in upholding democratic values in the region. State Department officials urged full investigations into the CSAT report's findings, underscoring the risks posed by Russian influence. Romanian president Klaus Iohannis convened national security meetings to address these threats, labeling the actions of "state and non-state actors" as significant risks to the country's democratic processes.
In December 2024, the European Commission announced an investigation into TikTok over the allegations.
Annulment
On 2 December, the Constitutional Court ruled unanimously to confirm the first round results and upheld the organisation of the runoff on 8 December between Georgescu and Lasconi; however, the court reversed its decision on 6 December and annulled the election results after President Iohannis allowed the declassification of information in the Supreme Council of National Defence. The Romanian Service of Information also declared that Georgescu said he had a "zero lei electoral campaign budget", but subsequent investigations revealed an undeclared donation of up to €1,000,000 from third parties. This prompted the court to annul the election results.
The annulment was condemned by both Georgescu and Lasconi, with Georgescu describing the court's verdict as a "formalised coup d'etat", and Lasconi calling it "illegal immoral" and stating that it "crushes the very essence of democracy". Fourth-placed George Simion also called the verdict a "coup d'état in full swing" but urged against street protests. Third-placed Marcel Ciolacu called the annulment "the only correct decision". Incumbent president Klaus Iohannis also said the court's decision was legitimate and should be respected. Russian state interference in the election was widely reported, including state-sponsored cyberattacks, and the annulment was described as "an extraordinary step" by The Washington Post. The annulment also forced a halt to advanced voting in 951 overseas polling stations for the diaspora that had opened on 6 December, after approximately 50,000 Romanians had cast ballots.
According to Politico, a subsequent investigation by the National Agency for Fiscal Administration determined that the "National Liberal Party paid for a campaign on TikTok that ended up favoring ... Georgescu" and not Russia as previously presented to the Constitutional Court. The National Liberal Party's efforts were part of an ill-fated attempt to draw votes from the Social Democratic Party.
References
- "US warns of security risks amid concerns over Russian interference in Romanian presidential elections". Romania Insider. 5 December 2024. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
- Gkritsi, Eliza (17 December 2024). "EU opens investigation into TikTok and the Romanian election". Politico Europe. Archived from the original on 17 December 2024. Retrieved 17 December 2024.
- "Ultimă oră. Alegerile prezidențiale din România au fost anulate. Judecătorii Curții Constituționale au anulat rezultatele primului tur: Hotărârea este definitivă şi obligatorie". Pro TV (in Romanian). Archived from the original on 9 December 2024. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
- Rainsford, Sarah (6 December 2024). "Romanian court annuls result of presidential election first round". BBC Home. Archived from the original on 9 December 2024. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
- "Romanian court annuls result of presidential election first round". BBC. 6 December 2024. Archived from the original on 9 December 2024. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
- Brezar, Aleksandar (6 December 2024). "Romanian president: Court's annulment of election must be respected". euronews. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
- "Romania hit by major election influence campaign and Russian cyber-attacks". BBC News. 4 December 2024. Archived from the original on 9 December 2024. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
- Madalin Necsutu and Anthony Faiola (6 December 2024). "Romanian court annuls presidential vote after Russian interference claims". The Washington Post.
- "Romania's top court annuls first round of presidential vote won by far-right candidate". Associated Press. 6 December 2024. Archived from the original on 7 December 2024. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
- Popa, Flaviu (6 December 2024). "Câte voturi au obținut Călin Georgescu și Elena Lasconi în secțiile unde s-a votat, conform lui George Simion". Fanatik.ro (in Romanian). Retrieved 6 December 2024.
- Goury-Laffont, Victor (21 December 2024). "Report ties Romanian liberals to TikTok campaign that fueled pro-Russia candidate". Politico. Archived from the original on 21 December 2024. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
- "Romanian Liberals Under Scrutiny on Russia-Linked Campaign Funds". Bloomberg. 21 December 2024. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
Further reading
- Pricop, Sebastian (24 December 2024). "Financial Times scrie despre rețelele de știri finanțate de Rusia și folosite în favoarea lui Călin Georgescu". HotNews (in Romanian).
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