Currently under criminal investigation and barred from participating in the upcoming May election, Georgescu's situation has sparked violent protests from his supporters in Bucharest.

As the rerun of the presidential election approaches, scheduled for May 4, 2025, Romanians are grappling with a surge of online disinformation, including alarming claims of an impending war with Russia.

The spread of disinformation is not limited to TikTok; platforms such as Telegram, Facebook, and YouTube are also implicated, complicating efforts to maintain election integrity.

Candidates like George Simion are effectively engaging with voters on TikTok, using relatable content, while moderate figures like Bucharest mayor Nicusor Dan face ridicule and criticism on the platform.

The online political campaigning landscape in Romania has evolved into a complex environment, rife with inauthentic content that simulates public support and influences perceptions.

Calin Georgescu, a far-right populist candidate, initially won the first round of Romania's presidential elections in late November 2024, but the outcome was annulled by the Constitutional Court due to allegations of electoral violations and foreign interference.

Experts warn that the radicalization of the electorate may continue as long as politicians propagate conspiracy theories and toxic messaging, contributing to a divided voter sentiment.

The European Union has identified foreign interference and disinformation as significant threats to democracy, particularly in light of recent events affecting elections in other EU countries.

In response to the disinformation crisis, TikTok is under investigation by the European Commission and has removed over 27,000 fake accounts related to the election.

U.S. officials, including Vice President JD Vance and Elon Musk, have criticized Romania's electoral decisions, highlighting concerns about democracy and the influence of foreign powers.

Experts predict that disinformation tactics will persist leading up to the May 4 election, with eleven candidates vying for the presidency amid increasing hybrid attacks on the electoral system.

As election day approaches, Romanian authorities have intensified efforts against disinformation, removing numerous online posts, though they face criticism for potentially infringing on free speech.