IDU Resolution On the Recent Elections in Romania

Resolution tabled by the National Liberal Party (PNL), Romania at the IDU Executive Meeting, December 6th, 2024, in Washington D.C.

Resolution On the Recent Elections in Romania

Whereas the International Democracy Union (IDU) expresses profound concern about the interference in Romania’s recent parliamentary and presidential elections, marked by disinformation campaigns, social media manipulation, and other forms of hybrid aggression orchestrated by Russia. This interference undermines Romania’s democratic process, emboldens extremist parties, and threatens Romania’s pro-European and democratic standing;

Whereas these elections saw a rise in support for extremist, populist parties fueled by Russian propaganda, which exploits societal divisions and spreads anti-democratic narratives. These hybrid attacks are part of a broader strategy targeting the democratic integrity of democratic nations;

Therefore, the IDU adopts the following measures:

1. Condemns Russia’s hybrid aggression against Romania and its efforts to destabilize European democracies through election interference and disinformation.
2. Urges European institutions to investigate and combat malign foreign interference, including illegal uses of social media platforms like TikTok, as reported during Romania’s elections. Calls for robust policies ensuring transparency, accountability, fairness, and cybersecurity in electoral processes across the EU.
3. Acknowledges the growing threat posed by extremist parties that are linked to Russian propaganda and reiterates the necessity of combatting such movements through pro-European forces committed to democratic governance.
4. Calls on NATO and EU partners to intensify cooperation in countering hybrid warfare, exchanging best practices, and pooling resources to protect democratic processes and institutions, whilst also defending freedom of speech.
5. Reaffirms the IDU’s commitment to standing with Romania and all nations facing similar threats, emphasizing the importance of solidarity within centre-right forces, the European Union, and the transatlantic alliance to defend democracy and liberal values.

What has occurred in Romania is not an isolated incident. It highlights a pattern of Russian aggression aimed at undermining Europe’s democratic fabric. The IDU calls on the international democratic community to remain vigilant, united, and proactive in safeguarding the democratic order.