Telegram Controversy Shadows Pro-European Dan’s Victory in Tense Romanian Presidential Battle

Pro-European Union candidate Nicușor Dan won Romania’s presidential runoff with 54% of the vote against nationalist George Simion. The election on Sunday marked a dramatic reversal from the first round where Dan had significantly trailed his opponent.

A controversy erupted on election day when Telegram founder Pavel Durov revealed that a Western European government had asked him to “silence conservative voices in Romania” ahead of the vote.

Durov flatly refused the request, stating that “Telegram will not restrict the freedoms of Romanian users or block their political channels.” Though initially using only a baguette emoji to hint at the source, Durov later explicitly named France.

In a post on X, he claimed that Nicolas Lerner, head of French intelligence, had asked him to “ban conservative voices in Romania before the elections” during a meeting at the Hôtel de Crillon in Paris.

The French foreign ministry quickly rejected these allegations, urging “all parties to uphold responsibility and respect for Romanian democracy.”

Romania Elects Pro-EU President After Contentious Vote

However, after Dan’s victory, French President Emmanuel Macron congratulated him while noting “numerous attempts at manipulation” during the election.

Dan, the 55-year-old mathematician and Bucharest mayor, staged a remarkable comeback after receiving only 21% in the first round compared to Simion’s commanding 41%.

His victory was fueled by record voter turnout, with participation reaching nearly 65% compared to 53% in the first round. The election took place amid unprecedented political circumstances.

Romania’s Constitutional Court had annulled the previous presidential election held in late 2024 due to allegations of Russian interference, which Moscow denied. Far-right candidate Călin Georgescu, who had won that first round, was banned from standing again.

Simion, the 38-year-old leader of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians, had openly aligned himself with Donald Trump’s MAGA movement. His nationalist platform included opposition to military assistance for Ukraine and criticism of EU leadership.

Despite conceding with the words “It’s a bitter feeling, but this election is just the beginning,” Simion later declared his party the “clear winners” and urged nationwide protests if the final tally showed him losing.

Dan’s victory brings what European observers call “a substantial sigh of relief for the EU, Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova.” As president, he will control the defense council responsible for military support decisions and oversee foreign policy.

He will also appoint a prime minister to secure a parliamentary majority aimed at reducing Romania’s budget deficit, currently the highest in the EU.

In his victory speech, Dan emphasized that “elections are not about politicians but about communities,” adding that “a community of Romanians has emerged victorious, a community that desires significant change in Romania.”

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