Romania's Election: A Tale of Resilience in the Face of Hybrid Attacks

Romania's recent presidential and parliamentary elections were marred by "aggressive hybrid Russian attacks," according to the country's security council. Despite these foreign interference attempts, Romania's democratic institutions and public remained resilient, ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. This article explores the tactics employed by Russian actors, the countermeasures taken by Romanian security forces, and the lessons other democracies can draw from this experience.

The 2024 Romanian elections were marked by a surge in disinformation and manipulation, with Russian actors exploiting social media platforms like TikTok to boost the popularity of pro-Russia candidates. This tactic, known as "astrourfing," involved creating fake grassroots support to sway public opinion. Romanian authorities, however, remained vigilant and responded swiftly to these threats.

Romania's top defense body acknowledged a "massive exposure" of a presidential candidate due to preferential treatment by TikTok, highlighting the increased vigilance against disinformation and social media manipulation. The country's intelligence services were bolstered to better detect and counter foreign interference.



In the face of these hybrid attacks, Romanian institutions and the public demonstrated remarkable resilience. The Constitutional Court ordered a recount of all 9.4 million votes amid fears of election interference, certifying the result after finding no significant discrepancies. Protests erupted in Bucharest, with people of all ages demanding transparency and fairness in the electoral process.

Romania's experience with alleged foreign electoral interference offers valuable lessons for other democracies. Strengthening cybersecurity and monitoring social media platforms for disinformation is crucial. Robust, independent electoral institutions ensure transparency and public trust. International cooperation is essential for sharing threat intelligence and coordinating responses to foreign interference. Lastly, fostering a culture of civic engagement and media literacy empowers citizens to resist manipulation.

In conclusion, Romania's resilience in the face of "aggressive hybrid Russian attacks" serves as a testament to the strength of its democratic institutions and the vigilance of its public. The lessons drawn from this experience can guide other democracies in countering foreign interference and ensuring the integrity of their electoral processes. As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, the importance of maintaining a healthy and robust democracy becomes increasingly apparent.