Overview

• Romania's Constitutional Court annulled the presidential election just days before the December 8 runoff, citing evidence of Russian-backed social media interference favoring far-right candidate Calin Georgescu.
• Tens of thousands of protesters gathered in Bucharest, calling for the elections to resume from the second round and accusing authorities of undermining democracy.
• The annulment came after Georgescu, an independent candidate critical of NATO, unexpectedly won the first round on November 24, raising concerns about the legitimacy of his campaign tactics.
• The court has ordered a complete re-run of the election, with the first round scheduled for May 4 and a potential runoff on May 18, though Georgescu's eligibility remains uncertain.
• Outgoing President Klaus Iohannis, whose term expired on December 21, will remain in office until a new president is elected, prolonging political uncertainty in the EU and NATO member state.