The Documentary Podcast Assignment: Dicing with democracy? Romania’s cancelled election
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Apr 22, 2025 Madalina Voina, a lead researcher at Expert Forum, dives into the dramatic implications of Romania's suddenly cancelled presidential election. She examines the rise of Calin Georgescu, a TikTok sensation with anti-EU sentiments, and the role of social media in shaping political narratives. The discussion reveals the shadowy influences of cyberwarfare and foreign interference, questioning the integrity of democracy in Romania. Voina highlights the urgent need for transparency as citizens confront corruption and push for change in a geopolitically tense environment.
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Hidden Online Extremist Narratives
- A hidden online bubble promotes anti-Semitic and nostalgic fascist and communist narratives in Romania.
- These narratives fed into growing support for a political candidate aligned with extremist views.
Kalin Georgescu's TikTok Campaign
- Kalin Georgescu surged from obscurity to lead Romanian presidential polls using TikTok and a nationalist image.
- His campaign featured videos portraying him in sporting and traditional roles, alongside conspiracy theories promotion.
TikTok as Propaganda Wild West
- Thousands of TikTok accounts shifted from entertainment to political propaganda overnight.
- This coordinated online strategy was part of an external influence campaign with local support.