Independent presidential candidate Calin Georgescu’s unexpected victory in Romania’s first-round election has been overturned due to alleged voting irregularities.
A Romanian investigation, reported by Snoop, reveals that the social media campaign boosting Georgescu, initially suspected of being Kremlin-backed, was actually funded by the pro-Western National Liberal Party (PNL). The PNL used the services of Kensington Communication, a political marketing firm, to manage the online campaign.
Georgescu, known for his criticism of NATO, the EU, and Ukraine aid, secured 22.94% of the vote in the first round, surpassing other candidates. However, Romania’s Constitutional Court voided the results, citing irregularities uncovered in declassified intelligence documents, and ordered a repeat election.
The court alleges that Georgescu’s campaign utilized paid influencers and far-right groups on platforms like TikTok, raising concerns of undue influence, though Russia denies any involvement.
Snoop reports that Romanian tax authorities traced the funds to the PNL. The campaign’s messaging, according to Snoop, urged Romanians towards a “responsible attitude” and “mature choice” to uphold the country’s “democratic path,” though some influencers linked Georgescu to the campaign’s message.
“The use of taxpayer money allocated to the PNL to promote another candidate is shocking,” a source involved in the investigation told Snoop.
Kensington Communication claims its campaign was “hijacked” or “cloned” and plans to file a criminal complaint.
This revelation emerged on Friday, the day before President Klaus Iohannis’ term ended and shortly before the Supreme Court’s hearing on Georgescu’s challenge to the election annulment. Iohannis had previously resisted leaving office, citing legal grounds.
Georgescu, described by opponents as “pro-Russian,” has appealed the annulment to the Supreme Court, his lawyer calling it a “flagrant violation of the constitution” and a “coup d’état.” The case will be heard on December 23.