Romanian Presidential Election Annulled Over Alleged Russian Interference
The Constitutional Court cited massive disinformation and electoral law violations, leading to a political crisis and legal challenges from far-right candidates.
- Romania's Constitutional Court annulled the presidential election, including the first round held on November 24, due to alleged Russian interference and violations of electoral laws.
- Far-right candidate Calin Georgescu, who led the first round with 23% of the vote, is accused of benefiting from disinformation campaigns and manipulative TikTok algorithms reportedly tied to Russian state actors.
- The annulment has delayed the electoral process indefinitely, with a new vote likely postponed until spring 2025, exacerbating political tensions in the country.
- Far-right leaders, including George Simion of the AUR party, have filed legal challenges domestically and internationally, calling the annulment a dangerous precedent for democracy.
- Authorities have reported arrests linked to extremist activities, including individuals carrying weapons and incendiary devices, as political unrest surrounding the election grows.
Le Monde 
L'Humanité 
