Romania's presidential candidate from the ruling coalition, Crin Antonescu, said that the outcome of the upcoming elections in May could expose the country to geopolitical consequences similar to the Yalta Conference of 1945, when Romania fell into the sphere of influence of the USSR, BTA reports.
His statement comes amid growing concerns about a possible redistribution of spheres of influence between major world powers.
The political situation and concerns about foreign interference
Romania's presidential election will be held again after the Constitutional Court annulled the results of the December vote, citing suspicions of foreign interference. The first round was won by Calin Georgescu, who many consider a pro-Russian candidate. Although Georgescu declared “zero lei” campaign expenses, intelligence reports indicate that his promotion on social networks, especially TikTok, cost over one million euros.
The Constitutional Court ruled to annul the elections and start a new vote from scratch, while Moscow denies any interference.
The international context and the possibility of a “Yalta 2“
Fears about a redistribution of spheres of influence intensified after the high-level meeting between the US and Russia in Riyadh, where, according to Romanian presidential advisor Cristian Diaconescu, the Russian delegation demanded that the US withdraw from Eastern Europe, including Romania.
Romanian Foreign Minister Emil Hurezianu assured that his country remains a member of NATO and the EU and that there are no grounds for a US withdrawal. He stressed that the bilateral strategic partnership with the US guarantees Romania's security.
Antonescu: “I don't believe in Yalta 2, but the risk exists“
In a television interview on Antena 3, Crin Antonescu expressed the opinion that there is no direct danger of a new Yalta, but the result of the presidential election could be a signal to the allies and to Russia that Romania is straying from the Euro-Atlantic path.
“I don't believe that Trump and Putin divide the world and decide: “Romania is with you or stays with me“““ But if a certain president is elected, it could mean or signal that Romania is slipping into the Russian sphere of influence, even if it formally remains in NATO and the EU.“
Antonescu added that Romania must remain mobilized and vigilant to avoid the geopolitical consequences of an unfavorable election result.
The rise of Georgescu and concerns about Romania's orientation
Sociological surveys indicate that Calin Georgescu is the favorite for the new elections, although he does not define himself as a pro-Russian candidate. However, he often criticizes NATO and opposes military aid to Ukraine.
Georgescu presents himself as the “Romanian Donald Trump“, adopting a nationalist rhetoric with the slogan “Make Romania Great Again“.
The outcome of the May elections will be decisive for Romania's geopolitical positioning in the coming years, as the country will have to balance domestic politics and international pressure.