Romania’s Constitutional Court has annulled the results of the first round of the 2024 presidential election and ordered the process to restart entirely. The decision, announced Friday, cited irregularities and declassified intelligence reports alleging Russian interference to support far-right candidate Călin Georgescu, who won the first round on November 24. The December 8 run-off election has been canceled.
The court ruled that the election process violated electoral laws and democratic principles. Romanian intelligence agencies allegedly provided evidence of Russian efforts to manipulate the election, including tampering with social media algorithms, funding campaign activities, and launching cyberattacks on election infrastructure. TikTok was reportedly used to amplify Georgescu’s campaign, and over 100 influencers were paid to promote him. Romania has asked the European Commission to investigate TikTok’s role, though the platform denies any wrongdoing.
Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu supported the court’s decision, calling it a necessary step to protect democratic integrity. However, the ruling has faced criticism from opposition figures. Georgescu described the annulment as a “coup d’état” and pledged to challenge it in Romania’s High Court of Cassation and Justice. Elena Lasconi, Georgescu’s opponent in the canceled run-off, called the ruling “illegal and immoral” but confirmed her intention to run again.
The decision comes amid growing geopolitical concerns over Georgescu’s pro-Russian stance and criticism of NATO. Georgescu has pledged to halt military aid to Ukraine and reconsider Romania’s NATO commitments, raising alarms among Western allies. However, analysts believe Romania’s constitutional checks and its parliamentary pro-NATO majority would limit his ability to shift foreign policy significantly.
Romanian President Klaus Iohannis has assured allies that the country remains stable and committed to its Western alliances. Investigations into the alleged interference are underway, with the government expected to announce a new election timeline soon.
