Romania’s shock decision to annul its presidential vote over alleged Russian meddling has divided the fledgling democracy, highlighting the risks of failing to prevent foreign interference in European elections.
Authorities said presidential candidate Călin Georgescu, who has praised Russian leader Vladimir Putin and vowed to jail political opponents, benefited from a sophisticated social media campaign that could have only been orchestrated by Russia.
With Romanians having just celebrated 35 years since Communist dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu was toppled, citizens are now grappling with how to react to a far-right politician’s surprise win in the first round of the now-cancelled poll. Families and friends have taken opposing sides on supporting Georgescu and seeing his victory being taken away.