Russian interference in Romania’s election process has drawn strong criticism from U.S. officials, who emphasized the importance of democratic governance. Following Romania’s Constitutional Court’s decision to cancel a scheduled presidential run-off election, U.S. authorities expressed support for Romania’s efforts to preserve election integrity.
The court’s action was based on allegations of a Russian propaganda campaign that undermined the fairness of the election process, prompting calls for a complete restart of the electoral process.
The U.S. Department of State underscored its commitment to supporting the Romanian people during this challenging time. Spokesperson Matthew Miller stressed that Romanians must trust that their elections accurately reflect their democratic will, free from foreign interference. He highlighted the need for robust electoral integrity, describing it as a cornerstone of Romania’s democracy. Miller reaffirmed that no external actor has the right to influence the country’s electoral outcomes.
Russian Interference Allegations Force Romania to Restart Presidential Election Amid U.S. Support for Democracy
The allegations center on Russian propaganda activities aimed at promoting the candidacy of Calin Georgescu, a far-right nationalist who advanced to the run-off against centrist candidate Elena Lasconi. Romanian intelligence reports suggest that Russia engaged in a coordinated hybrid campaign to boost Georgescu’s profile, including the creation of 25,000 TikTok accounts shortly before the first round of voting. These efforts allegedly skewed the election outcome, prompting legal and constitutional concerns.
Romanian intelligence further identified irregularities in campaign financing and described Russia’s actions as part of an aggressive strategy to interfere in the election. Citing Article 146(f) of Romania’s Constitution, the Constitutional Court ruled that the electoral process must ensure integrity and legality, leading to the cancellation of the run-off election. This decision underscores the need for vigilance against foreign influence and upholding democratic norms.
U.S. officials called for a peaceful and fair resolution to Romania’s election challenges. The State Department emphasized that all political parties should respect the constitutional order and work toward a democratic process that reflects the will of the Romanian people. The situation highlights the broader risks of foreign malign influence in democratic systems and the importance of safeguarding electoral integrity worldwide.
