Romania is concerned about possible Russian interference in the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for November 24, and Decemder 1. The Russian Federation is allegedly trying to influence the elections through its proxies, affiliated organizations, and even individual candidates, according to Digi24.
“There is information from political sources that claim that Russia is acting to influence the elections in Romania. They work through proxies, through intermediaries, such as organizations, entities affiliated or financed by Russians, possibly including through candidates. Therefore, every Russian citizen in Romania is permanently monitored. Moreover, the SRI also has a department for the defense of the Constitution and checks if there is any actor who tries to question Romania’s membership in the European Union and NATO,” explained Elena Crângașu, Digi24 journalist.
Romanian lawmakers have urged authorities to investigate whether countries like Russia, China, and North Korea, or hackers, might be involved in the electoral process by targeting government systems. Recently, the head of the parliamentary committee emphasized the importance of addressing this issue, stating that competent authorities must respond to such threats immediately.
There is also concern about the activity of so-called “troll networks.” The Minister of Digitalization reported the discovery of accounts linked to organized networks on Romanian social media platforms, spreading illegitimate content in support of certain candidates. Romanian police have launched a criminal investigation into potential interference in the electoral process.
A presidential candidate in Romania will be investigated for possible ties with Russia’s GRU intelligence agency.
Romania’s Foreign Intelligence Service has requested Ukraine and Moldova to declassify documents related to the entry ban imposed on George Simion, leader of the far-right Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR). The agency seeks evidence of Simion’s alleged meetings with GRU officers.
Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu stated that he discussed with the head of the Foreign Intelligence Service the appeal to Ukraine and Moldova regarding this matter. Simion has been declared persona non grata in both countries.
According to Digi24, Ioan Cîrstea, head of the parliamentary intelligence committee, said the documents contain “accusations and clear evidence” of Simion’s meetings with Russian intelligence officers.
Cristian Terheș, a candidate for Romania’s presidency from the National Conservative Party and a Member of the European Parliament, claimed that Ukrainian services have records of meetings allegedly held by Simion, particularly in the Chernivtsi region, with individuals linked to various Russian intelligence agencies.
Simion, however, denies any meetings with GRU representatives and has announced he would withdraw his candidacy if photos of him with GRU officers were made public.
