BUCHAREST, Romania — On Sunday, Calin Georgescu, a far-right presidential candidate, was seen outside a polling location that was closed, voicing his discontent with a recent ruling from Romania’s Constitutional Court. This court made a historic decision to annul the initial round of voting, where Georgescu had led the polls.
The court’s ruling on Friday came after declassified intelligence reports surfaced, suggesting that a significant social media campaign orchestrated by Russia was aimed at bolstering Georgescu’s candidacy. “Today marks Constitution Day, yet it seems there is nothing constitutional left in Romania. I stand here advocating for democracy,” the 62-year-old candidate stated to the press in Mogosoaia, located outside Bucharest. “By choosing to cancel democracy, we are also suppressing our very freedom.”
In its ruling, the court highlighted the illicit use of digital tactics, including artificial intelligence, and pointed to undeclared funding sources. While not directly naming Georgescu, the ruling referred to one candidate who received “preferential treatment” on social media platforms, a situation viewed as distorting the will of the voters.
Despite being considered a considerable underdog and claiming to have no campaign expenditure, Georgescu unexpectedly led the polls in the first round that took place on November 24. He was scheduled to compete in a runoff against Elena Lasconi from the Save Romania Union party. The first round had thirteen contenders and concluded in an environment rife with disputes, including a vote recount mandated by the same court that annulled the elections. A new date will now be set to completely restart the presidential elections.
Romian President Klaus Iohannis addressed the nation on Constitution Day, stating that “we are at a crucial juncture in terms of the principles that define us as a nation.” He added, “The Romanian Constitution outlines the boundaries within which our state and political life operate, acting as a safeguard against threats to our democracy. In trying times, state institutions must respond with composure, wisdom, and adherence to the law.”
Georgescu’s unanticipated success in the first polling round left political analysts puzzled, as many prior local surveys had placed him behind at least five other candidates. His supporters attributed his popularity to his active TikTok presence, boasting 6.2 million likes and over 565,000 followers. However, some experts raised concerns over the authenticity of this online engagement, while Romania’s key security agencies suggested that Georgescu received special treatment from TikTok.
Additionally, on Saturday, law enforcement officers conducted raids at three locations in the central city of Brasov, linked to Bogdan Peschir, who is suspected of illegally funding activities to enhance Georgescu’s campaign. Prosecutors indicated that the raids were warranted due to concerns regarding voter corruption, money laundering, and cyber fraud.
Reportedly, Peschir allegedly transferred approximately $381,000 (around 361,000 euros) to TikTok influencers for promoting content favorable to Georgescu. Investigators indicated that their findings suggested a substantial campaign to rapidly enhance Georgescu’s visibility.
No direct connection has been established between Peschir and claims of Russian interference, although Russia has denied any involvement in Romania’s political scenarios. Meanwhile, Lasconi, who was to be Georgescu’s rival in the elections, also condemned the court’s decision to nullify the votes, calling it “illegal, immoral, and a direct assault on the essence of democracy,” arguing for the runoff to proceed as initially planned.
