Pieter Haeck, a POLITICO reporter, dives into the surprising rise of far-right candidate Călin Georgescu, fueled by TikTok's viral reach. He explores allegations of fake accounts and the impact of influencers on Romanian elections, raising questions about democratic integrity. The conversation shifts to TikTok's struggles with EU regulations and its tricky balance between censorship and free speech, while concerns about misinformation swirl. Haeck illustrates how social media's role in politics is reshaping trust in media and influencing geopolitics.
Călin Georgescu's rise in Romanian elections highlights the growing influence of far-right candidates leveraging social media to connect with disillusioned voters.
The scrutiny surrounding TikTok’s possible use of fake accounts and paid influencers raises important questions about transparency in digital political campaigning.
Deep dives
The Rise of Calen Giorgesco
Calen Giorgesco has emerged as a notable candidate in the Romanian elections, leveraging far-right nationalist principles akin to the U.S. MAGA movement. He has pushed a doctrine of prioritizing Romania's interests, particularly advocating for policies that reduce reliance on foreign entities and promote self-sufficiency in areas like food production. Interestingly, his rise to prominence, especially leading into the second round of voting, was unexpected as he was not well-known just months prior. His ability to resonate with the electorate reflects a growing trend within Eastern Europe of far-right candidates gaining traction among voters disillusioned with traditional politics.
TikTok's Role in Political Dynamics
Calen Giorgesco's campaign prominently utilized TikTok, amassing vast viewership compared to his opponents, with reports indicating over 120 million views within a mere two months. This surge in visibility on the platform has drawn scrutiny regarding whether his success was influenced by unethical practices, such as the use of paid influencers and possibly fake accounts to amplify his message. While such tactics remain allegations pending verification, they raise critical questions about the transparency and integrity of political campaigning in the digital age. The burgeoning popularity of TikTok as a news source, especially among younger voters, mirrors broader shifts in how political information is disseminated and consumed.
Regulatory Concerns for TikTok in Romania
The mounting allegations surrounding TikTok's involvement in the Romanian elections have prompted calls for regulatory scrutiny regarding its adherence to European social media laws. Officials in Brussels are particularly concerned about the potential for foreign influence and manipulation of electoral processes while ensuring that they do not overreach into national elections. The platform's algorithms and their impact on public opinion have come under focus, as questions arise about whether they disproportionately favor certain candidates. As European lawmakers investigate, TikTok faces a critical juncture that could define its role in future political discourse and election integrity across the continent.
Romanians head to the polls for a final round of voting on Sunday and European tech regulators will be watching. The candidate expected to win is a far-right politician named Călin Georgescu, who catapulted himself to the top in part due to his popularity on TikTok. But some regulators and researchers question whether Georgescu has gotten a boost from fake accounts and paid influencers — allegations that have put TikTok in the hot seat. On POLITICO Tech, reporter Pieter Haeck gives host Steven Overly the download on the drama unfolding from Bucharest to Brussels.