Romania’s election called off over accusations of Russian meddling

December 6, 2024

Karah Rucker, Anchor

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Romania’s presidential election was called off following accusations that the surprise frontrunner’s social media campaign was influenced by Russia. Far-right independent candidate Calin Georgescu won the first round of voting and rose to popularity by posting his “Romania first” nationalist brand on TikTok.

His account gained more than 530,000 followers and over 5 million “likes” but fueled suspicion that his overnight success was driven by Russian meddling.

In a surprise move, the Romanian government declassified intelligence reports days ahead of the election alleging that Moscow ran an elaborate internet scheme to boost Georgescu’s account.

This comes after the country’s election servers had allegedly been hacked by Russia.

“Romania is a target for aggressive Russian hybrid actions including cyber attacks and information leaks and sabotage,” the Foreign Intelligence Service said.

It’s not clear whether Georgescu was aware of the alleged online campaign, but he has repeatedly denied having any connections to Russia, despite pledging to end all support for Ukraine if he were to get elected.

Like Russian President Vladimir Putin, Georgescu has been a vocal NATO critic, questioning Romania’s membership in the alliance, which ignited fears about NATO’s future in the country.

Now, Romania’s top court says the entire election process must be redone, meaning a second-round run-off that was scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 8, will no longer happen.

Georgescu would have gone head-to-head with his centrist rival Elena Lacsoni.

Tags: cyber crimes, Cybersecurity, Russia-Ukraine War, Russia, Ukraine, Vladimir Putin, 2024 Elections, Election, Cyber attack, Romania, Ukraine aid

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This recording was made using enhanced software.

Full story

His account gained more than 530,000 followers and over 5 million “likes” but fueled suspicion that his overnight success was driven by Russian meddling.

In a surprise move, the Romanian government declassified intelligence reports days ahead of the election alleging that Moscow ran an elaborate internet scheme to boost Georgescu’s account.

This comes after the country’s election servers had allegedly been hacked by Russia.

“Romania is a target for aggressive Russian hybrid actions including cyber attacks and information leaks and sabotage,” the Foreign Intelligence Service said.

Like Russian President Vladimir Putin, Georgescu has been a vocal NATO critic, questioning Romania’s membership in the alliance, which ignited fears about NATO’s future in the country.

Now, Romania’s top court says the entire election process must be redone, meaning a second-round run-off that was scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 8, will no longer happen.

Georgescu would have gone head-to-head with his centrist rival Elena Lacsoni.