Romania's presidential elections are under serious scrutiny due to alarming reports of foreign interference and cyber-attacks. The domestic intelligence service has identified a "state-sponsored actor" orchestrating a social media campaign on TikTok aimed at influencing the election results. This comes as Calin Georgescu, a little-known far-right candidate with pro-Kremlin sentiments, unexpectedly gained traction, winning the first round of voting two weeks ago.
The intelligence agency's findings indicate a "guerrilla" campaign targeting Georgescu's opponents through a network of influencers who shared identical supportive messages prepared from "external locations." Romanian officials believe this tactic was utilized to evade detection and suppression measures. Separate intelligence assessments categorize Romania as a target for "aggressive hybrid actions" from Moscow, which sees the country as an adversary.
In newly declassified documents released by outgoing President Klaus Iohannis, it was revealed that more than $380,000 was spent on TikTok advertisements promoting Georgescu without proper disclosures as mandated by election laws and the platform's regulations. Georgescu, who claims he spent "zero" on promotions, has denounced these accusations as attempts to sabotage his candidacy.
The documents highlight concerning cyber incursions, with 85,000 hacking attempts aimed at electoral information, coinciding with the election period. Hackers utilized sophisticated techniques typical of state-sponsored operations to obscure their identities and intentions. An ongoing investigation is set to determine the impacts of this interference and establish accountability.
Georgescu now prepares for a second-round contest against reformist candidate Elena Lasconi, following the recent endorsement of Lasconi by third-place finisher Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu. Yet, uncertainty looms over the election's legitimacy considering recent revelations. Ciolacu has asked state authorities to act on the newly disclosed information.
With potential unrest on the horizon reminiscent of prior protests and revolutions, Georgescu has encouraged calmness and stability in the face of rising tensions. Meanwhile, calls for pro-European demonstrations signal a significant divide in Romania's political landscape as the country braces for the electoral contest ahead.
