The Europeans | European news, politics and culture What the hell just happened in Romania (and at Eurovision)?
May 22, 2025
Codruța Simina, a Romanian journalist and expert on misinformation, joins the discussion to unpack the tumultuous recent elections in Romania. She explores the impact of online disinformation on voter behavior and the surprising political shifts, including far-right candidates' rise and fall. The conversation also dives into the controversies surrounding Israel's participation in Eurovision and the ongoing call for transparency in Pfizer vaccine negotiations. With her keen insights, Codruța sheds light on the interplay between politics and digital culture in Europe.
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Avoid Sensitive Talks on WhatsApp
- Brussels officials are advised to avoid conducting sensitive policy discussions via casual messaging apps.
- Use features like disappearing messages and refrain from important talks on platforms like WhatsApp for accountability.
Paid Campaigns Skew Eurovision Votes
- State-sponsored digital campaigns, like Israel's for Eurovision, can heavily influence public voting outcomes.
- Multiple votes allowed per viewer amplify the impact of small, highly motivated voting blocs.
Promote Language Diversity at Eurovision
- Eurovision songs should be subtitled more often to enhance audience understanding across languages.
- Singing in native or multiple languages encourages cultural richness and engagement in the contest.