The Economist: Romania Slides into Authoritarianism

Romania is facing a critical moment in its democratic history as it teeters on the edge of becoming an authoritarian regime. Recent developments, including the rise of far-right populism and external interference, have significantly eroded democratic norms and institutions.

The latest blow comes from The Economist’s Democracy Index, which has downgraded Romania from a “flawed democracy” to a “hybrid regime” due to allegations of Russian interference and irregularities in its electoral process.

The Economist’s Democracy Index: A Warning Sign

The Economist’s Democracy Index assesses five key categories: electoral process and pluralism, civil liberties, functioning of government, political participation, and political culture. Romania’s downgrade reflects a significant drop in its score, placing it alongside other countries classified as “hybrid regimes,” which combine elements of electoral democracy with authoritarian behaviors.

The country has faced unprecedented hybrid attacks, including the annulment of presidential elections due to evidence of Russian interference. This not only undermines the democratic process but also poses a serious challenge to Romania’s sovereignty and its role as a committed NATO and EU member. The allegations of Russian meddling, illegal social media tactics, and campaign finance violations led to a controversial decision by the Constitutional Court. However, evidence still needs to be shown.

On Wednesday, February 26, the far-right Presidential Candidate Calin Georgescu was detained by the law enforcement and later accused of five crimes, among which “actions against the Constitutional order” is the most serious one.

The recent electoral success of far-right figures signals a profound threat to Romania’s democratic integrity. These movements embody ultranationalism, scapegoating, and disdain for democratic norms, echoing the tactics of other far-right leaders in Europe. The pro-Russian leanings of some candidates add another layer of danger, potentially emboldening Russian influence in the region and destabilizing Romania’s position as a reliable ally within NATO and the EU.

Institutional Failures and Authoritarian Tendencies

Romania’s institutional failures have compounded the crisis. The inability of its security apparatus to address the far-right threat and the Constitutional Court’s decision to annul the presidential run-off have set dangerous precedents. These actions have fueled accusations of manipulation by domestic and international elites, further polarizing the political landscape.

These developments paint a grim picture for Romania’s democratic future. The erosion of democratic norms, coupled with external interference and the rise of far-right populism, threatens to transform Romania into a fully authoritarian regime. The international community must take notice and act to prevent this slide into authoritarianism.

As Romania stands at the crossroads, both domestic and international stakeholders must intervene. This includes strengthening civil society, ensuring media independence, and supporting electoral integrity. The fate of democracy in Romania hangs in the balance, and immediate action is necessary to prevent a complete reversal of democratic gains.