Venice Commission chief calls 2024 Romanian election cancellation a national trauma

While attending the 2026 Rule of Law Forum in Bucharest, Marta Cartabia, who leads the Venice Commission, warned that the cancellation of Romania’s 2024 presidential election constituted a profound trauma and a shock for the entire country. She noted that the episode offers the Commission a crucial opportunity to examine new threats to state security and democratic systems, citing the role of social media in influencing electoral integrity.

Cartabia agreed with President Nicușor Dan that such challenges are central to safeguarding elections. She stressed that the risk to voters’ freedom of choice was real and that similar disruptions could occur elsewhere. When asked how confidence in institutions can be restored, Cartabia said rebuilding trust requires openness and clear explanations of decisions, not just procedural fixes.