Three days before the second round of the presidential election in Romania, a climate of tension and controversy has set in. In question? Accusations of foreign interference, particularly from Moscow and the platform TikTok.
The first round of voting, marked by a major surprise, saw far-right candidate Calin Georgescu come out on top. A result which worries international observers, because of its opposition to European aid to Ukraine.
A climate of “unprecedented anti-Russian hysteria”
The Kremlin on Thursday strongly denied accusations of interference in Romania’s presidential election, calling them “totally unfounded.” Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, denounced “hostile attacks” and “increasingly absurd accusations” against Russia. She considered that these accusations were part of a climate of “unprecedented anti-Russian hysteria”, encouraging the Romanian authorities to “stop manipulating public opinion” by exaggerating the Russian threat.
However, the Romanian authorities have uncovered declassified documents reporting attempts at destabilization which suggest methods similar to those used by Russia in other countries. Despite these revelations, Russia maintains its position.
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The roles of TikTok and Georgescu
At the same time, accusations turned to TikTok. The social network is popular in Romania and widely used by Calin Georgescu for his campaign. The far-right candidate, who came first in the first round, led a campaign mainly online and mainly on this platform. However, TikTokcontacted by AFP, said it had no proof of a coordinated manipulation campaign on its platform.
Calin Georgescu stands out for his nationalist positions and his admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin. Critical of the European Union and NATO, the leading candidate in the first round expressed his opposition to military aid to Ukraine, calling instead for the search for peace.
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A crucial vote for the future of the country and NATO
The second round, scheduled for Sunday, represents a decisive turning point for Romania, which is a key member of NATO and the European Union, and a direct neighbor of Ukraine, at war since 2022 against Russia. This election is seen as a test for the geopolitical orientation of the country.
The United States, worried about a possible break with the West, has already warned that it would be a disaster for Romania to move away from its commitments to NATO and the European Union, especially in a context where Bucharest is home to American troops and anti-missile defense installations.
