MFA: Attempt to influence electoral campaign underway

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announces that it has informed the allied states about the attempts of external interference in the electoral campaign in Romania and assures that the country will act in this context.

The ministry says Romania remains firmly committed to protecting its democratic institutions and processes.

The Foreign Ministry states that the Romanian authorities have taken the decision to declassify and make public reports containing relevant information on malign foreign operations, including illegal financing, artificial amplification of digital campaigns and large-scale cyber attacks targeting the Romanian presidential elections.

According to the Foreign Ministry, the interference action is ongoing, but Romania will take measures to protect its democracy, national security and sovereignty.

The General Prosecutor's Office is also analyzing whether there are elements that could lead to a criminal investigation after the documents presented at the Supreme Council for National Defense (CSAT) meeting on November 28, which announced interference in the presidential and parliamentary elections in Romania, were declassified.

According to the documents, Russia is waging a hybrid war against the Romanian state.

The Romanian Intelligence Service and the Foreign Intelligence Service claim that a well-organized campaign on TikTok, worth millions of dollars, supported independent candidate Calin Georgescu in the first round of elections two weeks ago, although he claims he spent nothing on the campaign.

The United States has also expressed concern about CSAT reports on Russian involvement in the Romanian electoral process.

The Washington State Department believes the allegations should be fully investigated.

The United States believes that a shift in Romanian foreign policy away from its Western alliances would have a serious negative impact on security cooperation with the United States.

Translated by: Radu Matei