TikTok faces scrutiny over potential election interference in Romania

In Romania, a series of raids were conducted by prosecutors on December 6, 2024, as part of an investigation into the illegal financing of a presidential campaign that promoted Calin Georgescu. The Constitutional Court had previously annulled the election results in which Georgescu was a frontrunner, citing concerns over foreign interference, particularly from Russia, through social media platforms like TikTok and Telegram. These unprecedented actions marked the country's first annulment of election results due to external meddling allegations, setting a significant precedent in European electoral integrity. The allegations against Georgescu emerged from declassified intelligence reports that indicated a coordinated campaign to elevate his profile using paid promotions on social media, significantly funded by questionable sources. Prosecutors have been investigating claims of voter corruption and money laundering linked to Bogdan Peschir, who is suspected of facilitating this illicit financing. The Romanian government's concerns about national security have been amplified by the intelligence services, which revealed that a foreign state allegedly supported Georgescu's campaign in violation of Romanian electoral laws. Georgescu, considered a far-right candidate with pro-Russian sentiments, gained unexpected popularity by leveraging TikTok for his campaign. He faced off against Elena Lasconi, a centrist candidate, in what was supposed to be a decisive second election round. The political climate in Romania has become increasingly tense as accusations of manipulation and illegal funding have surfaced, calling into question the integrity of the electoral process and the influence of foreign powers on national politics. As the investigation unfolds, the future of the election process in Romania hangs in the balance. With the government determined to uncover the truth behind the alleged foreign influence, further scrutiny of electoral-related online activities is expected. Romanian political leaders and the public alike are watching closely, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in defending democracy against external pressures and domestic corruption.