TikTok became a focus of controversy in the Eastern European country after far-right outsider Calin Georgescu emerged as the front-runner in the vote.

Romania's unknown extremist candidate, Călin Georgescu, won the first round of elections all thanks to a massive TikTok campaign, raising concerns over foul play and prompting a request for an EU investigation.

Romania’s top court ordered a recount after a little-known ultranationalist candidate scored a surprise victory in Sunday’s presidential election, as a security panel said the contest was affected by a cyber operation aimed at influencing the outcome.