Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002390/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Petra Steger (PfE), Mary Khan (ESN)
According to Telegram founder Pawel Durow, France made deliberate attempts to silence conservative voices in Romania on his platform ahead of the second round of the Romanian presidential elections[1]. It is striking that, just two days before the elections, the head of the French foreign intelligence service, Nicolas Lerner – who had allegedly asked Durow to implement this censorship – travelled to Romania especially to meet the leaders of the Romanian secret service[2]. Even more seriously, Macron’s bosom buddy and Renew Group leader Valérie Hayer issued an open statement to France Info saying that every effort would be made on the ground to ensure that the next Romanian President is pro-European[3]. These rampantly proliferating fantasies of control and censorship are nothing more than an attack on democracy. After all, any attempt to influence national elections through digital platforms such as Telegram constitutes a violation of fundamental European values. What is more, in statements made by ex-Commissioner Thierry Breton – who openly contemplated nullifying undesirable election results – the Commission has itself revealed a dangerous readiness to undermine democratic processes.
- 1.What information does the Commission have on the censorship allegations made by Telegram founder Pawel Durow?
- 2.Is the Commission planning to open an investigation to look into these serious allegations?
- 3.What specific measures is the Commission taking to prevent such interference by Member States in national elections?
Submitted: 13.6.2025
- [1] https://www.spiegel.de/netzwelt/web/pawel-durow-telegram-gruender-kritisiert-franzoesische-einmischung-in-rumaenien-wahl-a-1eddfa73-f872-4ece-bf7c-64459e217159
- [2] https://www.berliner-zeitung.de/news/vorwurf-der-einmischung-frankreichs-geheimdienstchef-soll-rumaenien-kurz-vor-der-wahl-besucht-haben-li.2327797
- [3] https://www.lejdd.fr/International/presidentielle-en-roumanie-valerie-hayer-accusee-dingerence-au-profit-du-candidat-centriste-pro-ue-157948