Romania votes in parliamentary election amid allegations of Russian interference

Romanians are voting in a parliamentary election amid claims of Russian interference and electoral violations. This election follows a controversial presidential race where far-right candidate Călin Georgescu, previously polling low, won the most votes, leading to protests against him. Georgescu will face reformist Elena Lasconi in a runoff on December 8. His rise in popularity, partly attributed to TikTok, has sparked concerns about a shift towards populism in Romania, as many voters express dissatisfaction with traditional parties amid economic challenges. The election will determine the new government and prime minister for Romania's 466-seat legislature. Recent surveys suggest the leading parties will be the Social Democratic Party, the far-right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians, and the National Liberal Party.