On December 6, 2024, the Romanian Constitutional Court declared the recent presidential elections invalid, citing Russian influence as a primary factor. This ruling exacerbates the ongoing political crisis in the country, which has seen unexpected developments in recent weeks.
Just two weeks prior, Calin Georgescu, a largely unknown TikTok candidate with pro-Russian and right-wing views, unexpectedly won the first round of the elections. However, less than 36 hours before the second round was set to commence, the court's decision mandated a complete reorganization of the election process.
The court's ruling came after it had previously validated the first round of elections earlier in the week. New evidence regarding the impact of social media on the elections and potential Russian interference prompted the change. Romanian President Klaus Iohannis released intelligence documents that suggested indirect Russian influence, although U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken explicitly accused Russia of meddling in the elections.
The court's decision has led to polarized reactions among the Romanian public and political figures. Elena Lasconi, a candidate in the second round, condemned the ruling as "illegal and immoral," asserting that it undermines democracy in Romania. In contrast, current Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, who was a favored candidate, called it the "only correct solution" following the revelation of secret documents.
Georgescu labeled the court's ruling a "coup," while other right-wing politicians echoed sentiments of a political upheaval. President Iohannis addressed the nation, insisting that Romania remains a "stable, secure, and democratic" country, despite facing significant criticism for his perceived inaction in recent years.
Concerns about civil unrest following the court's decision did not materialize, with the public largely favoring stability over chaos. The Romanian gendarmerie confirmed there was no heightened state of alert.
However, the political vacuum created by this ruling poses a serious risk for the coming months, with the next presidential elections unlikely to occur until March. The formation of a new government following parliamentary elections held on December 1, 2024, may take several months, further complicating Romania's political landscape.
This decision by the Constitutional Court could deepen the existing crisis of trust in democratic institutions within Romanian society. It represents the latest in a series of controversial rulings that have led many to question the integrity of the judiciary.
In October 2024, the court had previously disqualified extreme right-wing candidate Diana Șoșoacă from the race, citing her statements as incompatible with democratic values, while allowing other candidates with similar views to remain in the electoral process.
Political rumors suggest that the ruling Social Democrats, who have dominated Romanian politics for 35 years, may have orchestrated a scenario to favor Ciolacu in the elections. Many citizens are now convinced that the court has acted as an extension of the political establishment, particularly after the unexpected outcomes of the first round.
Prominent Romanian lawyer Cristi Danileț sarcastically remarked on social media that the court's ruling allows for the rectification of any mistakes, highlighting the perception of Romania as a land of "unlimited possibilities."