USR, at meeting with OSCE representative: Russia has launched a hybrid war against Romania

President of Romania's delegation to the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Permanent Council Iulian Lorincz and leader of the Save Romania Union (USR - opposition) senators Stefan Palarie met with Maria Telalian, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).During Tuesday's meeting, the USR representatives "raised an alarm about Russia's involvement" in Romania's elections, according to a pres release issued by the Save Romania Union (USR)."This is a critical moment, not only because we are on the brink of elections, but also because we need to rebuild trust in Romanian society. Romania has been and will remain a strong supporter of the parliamentary dimension of the OSCE and will continue to fight for a free, open and democratic society where fundamental rights are not only preserved but defended every day," said Iulian Lorincz.The deputy stressed "the real dangers that Russia poses to European democracies," including Romania, and highlighted the importance of mutual support between democratic societies, USR mentions."There is no doubt: Russia has launched a hybrid war against Romania. If we allow Russia to act unchallenged now, we risk losing our democracy. Despite the internal political situation, Romania will maintain its full support for OSCE institutions, especially ODIHR, and for their essential electoral monitoring missions," said the USR deputy.The meeting also discussed the "crucial" role that the ODIHR mission will play in monitoring the presidential election, according to the release."Romania has actively contributed to OSCE missions by sending observers for electoral processes across Europe, and ODIHR's decision to send 24 long-term observers to Romania is a guarantee that democratic standards will be upheld," the USR release reads.Iulian Lorincz further said that the final report of the ODIHR mission must cover "the entire electoral process and all decisions made by Romanian institutions," from the Central Electoral Bureau to the Constitutional Court, to "rebuild trust" in elections and democracy."We are in the midst of a hybrid war with Russia. And it is becoming clear that the very essence of democracy - organising free elections - is becoming a vulnerability under siege. In such a battle, both the ruling power and the opposition must cooperate to organise fair elections. I was pleased to see that Director Maria Telalian is prepared to support Romania, including with proposals to improve the legislative framework so that elections be protected from interference and fraud," said Stefan Palarie.