Reuters reports a Romanian Parliamentary Committee for the oversight of the Foreign Intelligence Service (SIE) has claimed that Russia interfered with the now-annulled presidential elections by spreading propaganda and misinformation.
Romania's top court, ICCJ, annulled the elections two days before the final round of voting following a shocking victory of a "far-right NATO critic" in the first round. The SIE has alleged Russian interference based on documents from the EU and NATO's security councils.
Chief Mihai Weber told the committee, "There were cyber attacks meant to influence the fairness of the election, particularly from Russia, to influence the public agenda by using artificial intelligence and aggressive online promotion." Weber said, "There were misinformation and propaganda campaigns" for "Eurosceptic candidates" who seemed to be favored more than others.
According to Romania Insider, SIE is the only institution that has mentioned Russia by name. All other state agencies and documents mention a "state actor." Russia has denied claims of interference.
Nicu Falcoi, member of the committee and USR party deputy, said, "Russia, at this moment, is acting not only in Romania. Romania is currently at the forefront of Russia's actions, but Russia is now acting across Europe, in all European countries."
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