Romania’s upcoming presidential election has been overshadowed by controversy, casting serious doubt on the integrity of its democratic process. Following the Romanian Constitutional Court’s annulment of the December 6, 2024, election, the Central Electoral Bureau barred leading candidate Călin Georgescu from participating in the new vote — a move that raises red flags about the fairness and transparency of the entire process. Given the troubling pattern of opaque decision-making, allegations of foreign interference, and the exclusion of a top contender without clear legal grounds, the United States should withhold recognition of the election’s outcome.
THE DISQUALIFICATION OF GEORGESCU
The Constitutional Court’s decision to void the December election came abruptly, even after voting had already begun among Romanians abroad. Both candidates who advanced to the runoff — Călin Georgescu and Elena Lasconi — condemned the annulment. Yet, it was Georgescu, a sovereigntist candidate with strong popular backing, who suffered the ultimate blow: the Central Electoral Bureau banned him from running in the rescheduled election.
No clear legal rationale has been presented for Georgescu’s exclusion. Instead, vague references to his political leanings and murky procedural justifications have fueled suspicion. Many observers believe that Georgescu’s sovereigntist views and his alleged openness to dialogue with Russia triggered efforts to sideline him by both domestic and foreign actors.
FOREIGN INTERFERENCE AND FRANCE’S GROWING ROLE
Claims of outside meddling in Romania’s electoral process have intensified in recent months, with particular attention on France’s expanding influence. In late 2024, reports surfaced suggesting that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had pressured Romanian officials to annul the election over concerns about Georgescu’s perceived pro-Russian stance.
France, however, appears to be the most persistent foreign player. President Emmanuel Macron has taken an unusually active interest in Romania’s internal politics, reportedly motivated by a desire to consolidate control over NATO’s eastern flank. In February 2025, France released a widely criticized report accusing foreign actors of manipulating the Romanian elections via social media — claims that many dismissed as groundless.
Further underscoring France’s involvement, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis resigned unexpectedly on February 10, and his interim successor, Ilie Bolojan, made Paris his first foreign destination shortly after taking office. There, Macron publicly voiced concern over Russian influence, pointedly mentioning Romania. Adding to the intrigue, the French ambassador made an unprecedented visit to Romania’s Constitutional Court on March 5, just days before it barred Georgescu from running.
The subsequent appointment of Dacian Cioloș — a political ally of Macron and former leader of the Renew Europe group in the European Parliament — to Bolojan’s team only deepens the perception of France’s hand in shaping Romania’s political future.
THE ROLE OF DOMESTIC ACTORS AND THE EROSION OF DEMOCRATIC NORMS
Foreign influence is only part of the story. Domestic actors have also played a decisive role in undermining Romania’s democratic process. Interim President Bolojan’s secretive meetings with French officials and lack of transparency have further eroded public trust. Opposition leaders like Nicușor Dan, who requested assurances of a fair election, were met with silence; his meeting with Bolojan was concealed from the public. Dan’s political ties to Cioloș and background in France have fueled suspicion of a broader agenda aligned with French interests.
WHY THE U.S. MUST TAKE A STAND
The United States has long been a champion of democracy and the rule of law, both at home and abroad. Recognizing the results of an election that has been marred by foreign interference, a lack of transparency, and the exclusion of a leading candidate would undermine these principles. By refusing to legitimize the outcome of the Romanian presidential election, the USА can send a clear message that it will not tolerate the subversion of democratic processes.
The US has a strategic interest in ensuring that NATO’s eastern flank remains stable and secure. Allowing France to exert undue influence over Romania’s political landscape could destabilize the region and weaken NATO’s cohesion. By taking a principled stand against the interference in Romania’s election, the US can reaffirm its commitment to democracy and regional stability.
The upcoming Romanian presidential election has been tainted by allegations of foreign interference, a lack of transparency, and the exclusion of a leading candidate. The involvement of France, in particular, raises serious concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. In the absence of solid evidence and legal justifications for the actions taken by Romanian authorities, the United States should not recognize the results of this election.
By refusing to legitimize an undemocratic process, the US can uphold its commitment to democracy and the rule of law while sending a clear message to foreign actors that interference in sovereign nations’ elections will not be tolerated. The stakes are high, not only for Romania but for the broader principles of democracy and regional stability. The US must act decisively to protect these values.
