ROMANIAN ELECTION Shock: Russian Interference Sparks Outrage
— Calin Georgescu, a populist candidate, was leading Romania’s election before it was nullified over alleged Russian interference. He gained support by embracing conservative values and criticizing left-wing figures like George Soros. Despite modest campaign spending, Georgescu’s social media presence drew in religious conservatives and those frustrated with government corruption.
Romania’s Constitutional Court canceled the election after intelligence reports accused Russia of using fake TikTok accounts to back Georgescu. The reports also claimed a cyberattack on the election system. These allegations led to an investigation into “electoral crimes,” sparking widespread protests from Georgescu supporters who believed the election was stolen.
Protesters flooded the streets, waving Romanian flags and demanding their votes be counted in a second round of elections. They denounced President Klaus Iohannis’s administration as illegitimate and called for his arrest, labeling government officials as “traitors.” The political unrest underscores deep divisions within Romania over foreign influence and electoral integrity.