She took her degree in journalism in Iași, during which time she worked as an intern for “Cu Sens” media project. She was also the recipient of a Rise Project internship. She balances her work as a journalist with pursuing an MA in cultural studies in Bucharest. Born in the Republic of Moldova, Ludmila always keeps an eye on developments across the Prut.
George Simion made a name for himself as an anti-establishment activist and a militant for the unification of Romania and the Republic of Moldova, first with “Noii Golani” (The New Rascals), then with “Acțiunea 2012” (Action 2012). His collaborators from back then claim that the leader of AUR manipulated and lied to them in order to achieve his goals. They accuse Simion of violence, using minors and the destruction of the unionist movement. Others say that he would disappear for days, only to return with ready-made plans for future actions.
Fighting off Russia’ hybrid attacks, Moldova needs a good relationship with Romania. However, several presidential candidates have promoted a sovereignist, even pro-Russian discourse, and one of them was declared persona non grata in the Republic of Moldova.
Nicolae Ceaușescu, Corneliu Zelea Codreanu and Ion Antonescu have tens of thousands of followers on TikTok, and their videos account for only a fraction of those that promote extremist discourse and false narratives.
Am tot citit despre TikTok, despre ce date culege de la utilizatori, despre falsurile și propaganda partidelor extremiste care circulă intens sau de populismul împărțit de unii politicienii în stânga și-n dreapta. Știam și despre live-urile cu oameni care silabisesc cuvinte în continuu, despre cei treziți experți peste noapte sau despre vizualizările și comentariile care curg mii și depășesc engagement-ul pe care ți-l poate oferi oricare altă rețea de socializare. Nu mi-am închipuit, însă, că un astfel de conținut literalmente vine peste tine imediat ce intri în rețea.
Romanian influencers, like the sports agent Ana Maria Prodan, continue to promote Călin Georgescu. Just like their favorite, influencers have been amplifying a series of Russian narratives, most of them adapted to Romania, but also all kinds of pseudo-scientific or conspiracy nonsense.
From Diana Șoșoacă's “pen revolution” to George Simion's “giro giro girofaru” posts and #CălinGeorgescu, sovereigntists have taken Romania’s TikTok by storm, a space where they campaigned even on election day. Altogether, sovereigntist candidates grabbed nearly 40% of total votes.
