Bucharest: Thousands gathered in Bucharest late Thursday for a pro-European rally supporting democracy, just days before Romania’s presidential election runoff. The decisive vote on Sunday pits far-right, pro-Russian candidate Calin Georgescu against pro-European centrist Elena Lasconi.
The election marks the final stage of a political cycle involving parliamentary and presidential ballots in the EU and NATO member state. A victory for Georgescu could shift Romania’s political alignment, drawing it closer to far-right, Russia-friendly governments in Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria.
Rally for Democracy
An estimated 3,000 people braved freezing temperatures in the Romanian capital, chanting “Europe!” and “No Fascism” while holding banners reading “Democracy is in danger” and “Our children will be free.” Prominent Romanian artists, musicians, and civic activists voiced their support for Lasconi at the rally, warning against isolation within the EU and NATO.
Far-Right Surge and Allegations of Russian Influence
Far-right parties performed strongly in Romania’s recent parliamentary election, though the pro-EU Social Democrats emerged as the largest bloc, aiming to form a coalition government. Meanwhile, concerns about foreign interference loomed large.
Declassified documents released by Romania’s top security council on Wednesday revealed “aggressive hybrid Russian attacks” during the election. Georgescu reportedly benefited from coordinated promotion on TikTok, leveraging recommendation algorithms and paid content. However, he declared no campaign spending, prompting scrutiny.
Romanian prosecutors have since launched a criminal investigation into Georgescu for suspected money laundering. While Russia denied interfering, and TikTok refuted claims of preferential treatment, international officials have voiced alarm.
Germany’s foreign ministry stated on X, “Reports by Romanian authorities that Russian disinformation is influencing the presidential elections in Romania show: Putin wants to divide us and to undermine the unity within the EU and NATO.”
Narrow Race
An AtlasIntel poll conducted Dec. 4-5 placed Lasconi slightly ahead with 48.6% compared to Georgescu’s 46.4%. About 3.1% of respondents said they would spoil their ballot, and 1.9% remained undecided.
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Moldovan Support
Moldovan President Maia Sandu, reelected in October despite alleged Russian meddling, met with Lasconi on Thursday in Bucharest and endorsed her candidacy. “In Moldova, we know well the world promised by those who despise the West,” Sandu remarked.
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Romania has been a staunch supporter of Moldova’s EU aspirations, and the votes of Moldovans holding dual citizenship could be decisive in Sunday’s runoff.
