A pro-Russian Europhobe, Călin Georgescu, has surged to poll position in Romania’s presidential election by weaponising social media, with a little help from Moscow.

The European Commission launched an investigation into TikTok on Tuesday for suspected Russian interference in the annulled Romanian presidential elections in November. The probe is taking place after "serious indications that foreign actors interfered" in the elections with the use of TikTok,

A month ago Mr Georgescu was seen as a crankish no-hoper, drawing about 5% in polls. But in the first round of the election on November 24th he came first with 23%. Just before the second-round run-off against Elena Lasconi, a lacklustre centre-right candidate, one poll had him leading with 58%. This was a political earthquake.

Regulators from the European Union have revealed that they are investigating whether TikTok breached the Digital Services Act in regards to its ‘obligation to properly assess and mitigate systemic risks linked to election integrity’,

The European Commission has opened an investigation against TikTok for facilitating interference in Romania’s 2024 presidential elections.

The EU has initiated legal action against TikTok for failing to prevent foreign interference in Romania's presidential election.

EU investigates TikTok for suspected election interference in Romania The European Union has opened an investigation into TikTok and the role it played in recent elections in Romania. The presidential race was annulled and delayed amid allegations that Russia was using the social media site to influence voters.