As Romania gears up for a pivotal presidential election runoff on 8 December 2024, thousands gathered in Bucharest to voice their support for centrist candidate Elena Lasconi. The atmosphere was electric, with around 3,000 attendees uniting in University Square, waving EU flags and chanting slogans like “Freedom” and “Europe.”
Protests Against Potential Russian Influence
The rally follows a concerning rise in support for far-right candidate Calin Georgescu, a figure accused of Russian sympathies and critiquing both the EU and NATO. Many demonstrators fear that a Georgescu victory could drastically alter Romania’s foreign relations, potentially moving it closer to the sphere of pro-Russian Eastern European countries.
- Date of Runoff: 8 December 2024
- Participants: Approx. 3,000 supporters
- Key Issues: Democratic rights, influence of Russian disinformation
Voices from the Crowd
Among the crowd was Liliana Rotaru, a banker, who expressed her anxiety over the future of democracy in Romania. “I trust my people and hope that they will choose wisely,” she stated, indicating a strong desire to see Lasconi take office.
Another protester, Radu Bourceanu, stressed the difficulties in predicting the election’s outcome amid what he described as “mass manipulation through diverse, social media apps.”
Concerns About Social Media Manipulation
Romanian authorities recently revealed that Georgescu’s campaign has been linked to aggressive social media tactics, including manipulated influencer promotions and cyberattacks. These issues are believed to have stemmed from external influences seeking to destabilise the electoral process.
Furthermore, amid rising tensions, officials from Germany, France, and Moldova have voiced their concerns over the potential ramifications of foreign interference, with Declassified documents indicating that Romania has been a target of Russian hybrid tactics.
Support from European Allies
Moldovan President Maia Sandu recently met Lasconi, offering her endorsement ahead of the runoff. Sandu, who faced her own challenges from Russian meddling in her country, highlighted the importance of unity in the face of such external threats.
As Romanians prepare for this crucial election, the future path of the country hinges on what promises to be a riveting run-off, where the stakes for both democracy and international relations are higher than ever.