The document, which alleges a massive online influence campaign to sway the vote in favor of fringe politician Calin Georgescu, blamed a “state-sponsored actor”.
Another, about attempts to hack election websites, talked about links to sites of cybercriminals in Russia. The third file said that Russia is waging a hybrid war here.
Romanians united and blame Moscow. It brings back dark memories for many people.
At the rally on Thursday evening near the university, I met people who recalled their years under the communist dictatorship and were sincerely afraid that today’s Russia might interfere here.
In a bookstore, a children’s author told me she would “leave the country immediately” if there was any sign that Romania was turning away from its European path, becoming less free.
Undoubtedly, Georgescu’s policies – ending aid to Ukraine, comments that question the purpose of NATO or undermine the EU – are useful for Moscow.
Although the Kremlin denies any role in these events, I’m sure people are happy that Russia is seen as so powerful; its tentacles are so far-reaching that they can even shake Romanian politics. NATO country, which has long been considered a stable and reliable partner.
But when I met the man who was at the center of all this controversyCalin Georgescu rejected any idea that his rapid rise – from marginal to electoral leader – was linked to Russian interference.
In fact, he laughed out loud.
He told me that Vladimir Putin was “a leader and a patriot”, although he claimed he was “not a bigot”.
Honest and mild-mannered, he says he’s been blocked because he challenges the political establishment. He believes that his “Romania First” policy really appeals to local people.
He’s probably right about that last point.
I didn’t actually meet anyone in Bucharest – apart from Georgescu’s immediate team – who would admit to voting for him. But his online content, which filled TikTok, had many messages that would appeal to the culturally conservative country, especially outside the capital.
He talks about sovereignty, about God, and about fighting “The System.” He tells people that their lives should be better.
Will his followers, whoever they are, believe the reports that he is a Russian project and agree to cancel the vote? Or can they get out from behind their computer screens and phones to protest?
While there are calls to stay at home and keep calm. Repeated elections may not be earlier than spring. This is a long time in Romanian politics.
