Romania’s recent presidential election has sent shockwaves through Europe. A largely unknown far-right candidate, Călin Georgescu, advanced to the 8 December runoff in an unprecedented result. Known for his pro-Russian, anti-NATO views, Georgescu’s rise has sparked allegations of electoral manipulation, particularly through TikTok, with attention focused on disinformation and foreign influence. The European Parliament has called for TikTok’s CEO to address these claims, while Romania’s Supreme Court ordered a recount. Amidst protests, questions about Călin Georgescu’s campaign funding, and potential national security risks, concerns grow about Romania’s future alignment with NATO and the EU if he wins.
This election highlights the growing threats of hybrid warfare, where disinformation and electoral manipulation destabilise democracies. Against a backdrop of accusations of Russian interference in global elections, from Brexit to the USA, fears mount that Moscow may have weaponised Romania’s democratic processes. Georgescu’s potential presidency raises the alarming prospect of shifting Romania closer to Russian interests, challenging Western unity, and strengthening a bloc of pro-Moscow nations in Eastern Europe. Regardless of the runoff’s outcome, the election underscores the power of social media in shaping political outcomes and the mainstreaming of far-right ideologies, raising pressing questions about the resilience of liberal democracy and European security.
Video chapters are the following:
- 00:00 Introduction and titles
- 01:54 Romania's presentation: location, population and political system
- 03:04 A brief history of Romania
- 04:43 Romania after the fall of communism
- 05:38 Romania joins NATO and the European Union
- 06:38 Romanian under President Klaus Iohannis
- 08:15 The first round of presidential elections
- 09:59 The fallout from the Romanian vote
- 11:19 Romania goes to a run-off vote
- 12:59 Russia and the growing danger of far-right populism
