Macron Talks to Nicusor Dan, Warns of Russian Meddling in Romania Vote

Nicușor Dan announced that he had a video call with French President Emmanuel Macron, who congratulated the independent presidential candidate for his success in the first round of the presidential elections and assured him that he would continue to support the solid partnership built with Romania on the economic front, as well as Romania’s European path.

Shortly before the call, the leader from the Elysee Palace issued a warning about foreign “meddling” in the upcoming elections in Europe – namely in Romania – which, the French president says, “undermines the integrity of our democracies”.

“While my opponent was insulting the French people right at home, I had a dialogue with Mr. Emmanuel Macron, the President of France. The elections in Romania are extremely important for the future of the entire European Union and the President of France clearly pointed this out. I thank him for his availability and I hope for a strengthening of our relationship with France, considering the economic and security role it plays in Europe,” Nicușor Dan wrote on Facebook and published a video in which he has a short dialogue with the French President.

French President Emmanuel Macron stated in a message to Nicușor Dan that he is fully aware of what is at stake in this moment.

“I am aware of what is at stake right now. It is a matter of importance not only for Romania but for all of us,” Macron said, as he congratulated Nicușor Dan for advancing to the second round of Romania’s presidential elections.

“I wanted, through this exchange, to tell you that over these years, we have built a close partnership with Romania—economically and along the European path. We have stood by your country on Schengen, on economic, security, and defense issues—sending our troops proudly to Romania just days after Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. This is a brotherhood between our forces and our countries.”

“That’s why I wanted us to have this conversation. Because what is at stake in these elections in Romania is clearly key not just to your country’s future—but to ours as well,” Macron emphasized.

Speaking in French, Nicușor Dan acknowledged the long-standing ties between France and Romania.

“Today, Europe’s main concern is security. I am glad that there is a NATO Command in Romania, led by French troops. That is the first priority I will focus on if elected. Beyond that, there are strong economic, cultural, and academic ties. Hundreds of thousands of Romanians live in France. As you know, I myself spent a few years in Paris some time ago.”

He added that the ties between Romania and France should be “broadened and strengthened.”

“We must move past this Sunday, so that Romania’s direction remains clearly toward Europe,” Nicușor Dan concluded.

In response, President Macron said he fully agreed with the independent candidate:

“This friendship is indeed historic, deep, linguistic, and human—and I thank you for speaking French. What matters to us is that Romania continues its European path.”

Macron’s Warning on Russian Interference

Shortly before his conversation with Nicușor Dan, Macron—previously criticized by candidate George Simion for allegedly interfering in Romania’s elections— warned again about the threat of Russian meddling in the country’s electoral process.

Speaking in Tirana, at a summit of the European Political Community, Macron addressed Russia’s hybrid warfare and its influence operations targeting democracies across Europe:

“The third element is democratic security. We see what is happening during our elections. Romania is experiencing this right now, as I have already mentioned. Moldova went through it very recently.
We face clear threats that undermine the integrity of our democracies and their resilience.
We are not only exposed to manipulation during election periods but to constant foreign information interference.
This directly undermines Europe’s democratic security.”

Macron called for:

• Better protection of critical infrastructure from cyberattacks

• Stronger regulation of illegal online content

• Tracing financial flows fueling hybrid actions

“If we don’t act, Russia—in particular—will continue destabilizing our public opinion to escalate tensions,” he warned.