Romania’s Constitutional Court has annulled the first round of its presidential election due to allegations of Russian interference via TikTok.
Far-right candidate Călin Georgescu, a pro-Russian figure, had won with 23 per cent of the vote. Intelligence revealed a sophisticated influence operation involving over 25,000 TikTok accounts, which amplified Georgescu’s campaign, garnering 52 million video views in just four days. TikTok denies any preferential treatment but is under EU scrutiny to provide data on its algorithms and counter-disinformation measures.
Outgoing Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu supported the annulment as vital for national security, while Georgescu called it a “formalised coup d’état.” The annulment leaves Romania in political limbo, with no set timeline for a new election.
This case highlights the risk of foreign interference via social media. Businesses should bolster cybersecurity, monitor for disinformation, and collaborate with platforms to counter coordinated inauthentic behaviour and protect digital integrity.