The decision came just two days before the second round of voting, in which Georgescu was set to face pro-European centrist candidate Elena Lasconi. The cancellation comes against the background of findings by the Romanian secret services and intelligence services of other NATO states about serious external and Russian influence on the election process.

Georgescu is now in the sights of the Romanian investigative authorities after intelligence findings suggested that his election success in the first round was due to a Russian-controlled campaign on the social media platform TikTok.

Georgescu’s reach exploded on TikTok in the last two weeks before the first round of voting, after a network of thousands of social media “sleeper accounts,” primarily on TikTok and Telegram, widely promoted him and his propaganda.

Romania’s Supreme Defense Council therefore concluded a few days ago that Russia is increasingly seeking to influence public opinion in Romania and that it is dealing with an “aggressive Russian hybrid attack” on the democratic electoral process.

Right-wing extremism is also on the rise in parliament

Far-right parties, which often have sympathy for Russia, also did well in the parliamentary election on Sunday. The Romanian President has primarily protocol-related tasks. But he is a moral authority in the country – and has influence on foreign policy. He also plays a key role in the formation of new governments.