Romanian Diaspora Election Turnout Triples as a Russian puppet poises to take the presidency
Romania’s presidential runoff election has sparked a dramatic surge in diaspora turnout, especially in the Republic of Moldova, where voter participation by 10:00 AM tripled compared to the first round.
The election is widely seen as Russia’s attempt to seize control of the Romanian government by stoking populism via TikTok and other social media platforms.
According to official figures reported by G4Media, 4,414 Romanian citizens had cast their ballots in Moldova by 10:00 AM—three times the number recorded at the same hour during the initial round.
This sharp increase highlights the growing political engagement of Romanian citizens abroad, particularly in regions with strong historical, cultural, and political ties to Romania.
Across the broader diaspora, turnout was also significantly higher. More than 17,000 Romanian voters outside the country had voted by mid-morning, compared to around 12,000 during the same time frame two weeks earlier.
In France, for instance, polling stations were reporting roughly 300 votes cast per hour—double the rate seen in the first round.
Several factors appear to have contributed to this wave of mobilization. Civil society groups and Romanian diplomatic missions launched widespread informational campaigns aimed at encouraging participation and providing logistical clarity to voters abroad. Many were informed of their nearest polling places and the necessary documents required.
Voter awareness was also bolstered by increased media attention and online discourse surrounding the stakes of the second round.
Additionally, the Romanian government expanded the number of polling stations available across Europe and beyond. In Moldova alone, over 50 voting centers were operational, many of which opened their doors early and saw long lines even before the official start of voting.
The stakes of this runoff appear to have resonated more deeply with Romanian communities abroad than in previous years.
Voters interviewed outside polling stations in Chișinău and Bălți expressed a strong desire to shape the future of Romania’s foreign policy, education reforms, and diaspora rights.
Moldova’s case is particularly notable given the deep historical connection between the two countries. With many Moldovan citizens also holding Romanian citizenship, the country has long been a hotspot of Romanian political participation. The intensified turnout this year may reflect increasing optimism about cross-border cooperation, as well as concerns over regional security and Russia’s influence.
The Central Electoral Bureau has praised the orderly conduct of voting abroad thus far, despite the large crowds. Organizers are preparing for record-breaking totals by day’s end, potentially setting a new benchmark for diaspora engagement in Romanian elections.
This moment marks not only a numerical victory in terms of voter participation but also a symbolic one. It reflects the evolving role of the diaspora in shaping Romania’s future—asserting itself not as a passive observer but as an active, organized, and increasingly decisive political force.
Romania is already paying the price for embracing a pro-Russian demagogue.