The U.S. Congressional delegation to NATO says it is disturbed by ‘Russian efforts to undermine Romania’s election in a strongly worded statement.
It called on authorities to investigate cyber interference in social platform TikTok which propelled pro-Russian outsider to an improbable first round win.
“We are deeply concerned by compelling evidence declassified by the Romanian Government regarding Russian efforts to undermine and influence the electoral process,” said the statement from 10 Republicans and Democrats, led by Republican Mike Turner, head of the U.S. Congressional Intelligence Oversight Committee,
“Aggressive tactics by foreign governments to undermine the integrity of Romania’s democratic institutions, such as the manipulation of social media platforms such as TikTok, must be thoroughly investigated and wholly condemned,” the statement released Friday said.
The group said the U.S. “deeply appreciates Romania’s role as a steadfast NATO ally and an integral member of the European Union” and it was “the prerogative of the Romanian people to elect their leadership, and the United States respects, the sovereign right of Romanians to choose without interference.”
Romania’s top court canceled the presidential election after declassified intelligence reports that a ‘state actor’ later identified as Russia by President Klaus Iohannis had intervened in a ‘subtle and complex’ way to influence the election in Georgescu’s favor.
The statement said that “ensuring the integrity of the electoral process is paramount to upholding the principles of democracy and sovereignty. We stand with Romania as they look to hold free and fair presidential elections.”
Romania’s future government, a coalition which has not yet been formed due to disagreements between the parties,. will set a new date for presidential elections.
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