Romanian officials will meet Thursday to discuss possible cyber threats to its elections after a far-right pro-Russian candidate took a shock lead in its presidential vote. Far-right pro-Russia candidate Calin Georgescu secured a surprise lead in the presidential election -- knocking out premier Marcel Ciolacu -- with many questioning the role of social media in his shock surge.

Marcel Ciolacu, prime minister and chief of the Social Democratic Party, is the frontrunner to win the presidential election, leading in all polls. View on euronews

In a surprising turn, far-right candidate Calin Georgescu won the first round of Romania's presidential elections, sparking debates on social media's influence. Accusations of algorithmic bias on TikTok have led to calls for an investigation.

Calin Georgescu’s surprise victory means the current pro-West prime minister will not make it to the election runoff.

A member of Romania's coalition government threw its weight behind the centrist candidate in a presidential election run-off late on Monday, as the NATO member braces for a ballot that may propel an anti-NATO candidate to its highest office.

Romania is reeling after a little-known, far-right populist secured the first round in the presidential election

After a far-right pro-Russia candidate secured a surprise lead in Romania's presidential election Monday, the eastern European NATO member is bracing for a high-stakes parliamentary vote on Sunday, am

Independent Calin Georgescu faces reformist Elena Lasconi on December 8. PM Marcel Ciolacu has resigned as Social Democrats’ leader.