Romania in Turmoil: Court Annuls Election Amid Russian Meddling Accusations

Romanian prosecutors are investigating possible illegal financing in the presidential election after the top court annulled the results due to suspected Russian interference. Focus is on Calin Georgescu's campaign, a pro-Russian candidate. The annulment has led to chaos, with no date set for a re-run election.

Romanian prosecutors conducted multiple property searches on Saturday amid an investigation into potential illegal financing during the nation's presidential election. This development came just a day after Romania's top court annulled the election results over allegations of Russian meddling.

The court's Friday ruling has thrown Romania, an EU and NATO member, into institutional disarray, while public trust teeters on a precipice. Prosecutors have not disclosed the candidate under investigation, though newly declassified documents highlight Calin Georgescu's campaign. Georgescu, a far-right figure leaning towards Russia, surprisingly led the first-round vote despite prior low poll ratings, prompting concerns over election integrity.

Declassified evidence points to electoral manipulation, irregular campaign activities, and opaque funding. Saturday's searches in Brasov are probing an individual's role in potentially illicit campaign financing, allegedly tied to criminal activities and money laundering. Meanwhile, Russian officials have dismissed Romanian allegations of interference. As the political drama unfolds, no new date for another vote has been announced.

(With inputs from agencies.)