Kremlin Calls Romania Presidential Election 'Strange' After Pro-Russian Candidate Barred

Romania's recent presidential election, which saw pro-European centrist Nicușor Dan defeat far-right nationalist George Simion, has been labeled 'strange' by the Kremlin, primarily due to the disqualification of pro-Russian candidate Călin Georgescu, who was considered the front-runner before last year's annulled vote. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov criticized Romanian authorities for barring Georgescu without justification, a move Romania justified by alleging undisclosed ties to Russian influence campaigns, which Russia denies. The election outcome was welcomed by EU leaders amid concerns that rising far-right support could undermine European unity on Russia and Ukraine policies. Additionally, Telegram founder Pavel Durov alleged pressure from French intelligence to ban conservative Romanian accounts supporting Simion, a claim France's intelligence service denies, with Durov himself under investigation in France. The Kremlin also accused European countries of interfering in Romania's internal affairs, highlighting broader tensions over alleged disinformation and cyber interference linked to Russia. Overall, the election and its surrounding controversies reflect ongoing geopolitical struggles involving Russia's influence efforts and Western responses in Eastern Europe.