In Romania, these days, a much deeper and devastating confrontation is taking place, which goes beyond the authority of the president or political leaders.
Practically, the country has been paralyzed for almost half a year, while behind closed doors, the Kremlin’s shadow army is clashing with the forces that still keep Romania connected to NATO and the European Union.
The country’s president has sidelined himself, missing the favorable moment at the beginning of his term when he had the support of the population.
Back then, in that small window of opportunity, he could have released the report that presented Moscow's influence network, how it is coordinated and funded, and also pushed for the appointment of civilian directors at SRI and SIE, some credible and attached to European and democratic values.
But he was deceived. He fell into a personal conflict trap with Ilie Bolojan, becoming preoccupied only with destroying his political enemy.
He feared and still fears that the PNL leader could end his political career.
For now, it's impossible to say who deceived Nicușor Dan, who lured him into a trap from which he could not escape.
The shepherds' protest in Victory Square, the detention of Călin Georgescu and then his release under judicial control, the political deadlock, these and many others are actually the effects of a shadow confrontation between two factions - one controlled by Russia and one pro-European.
It must be emphasized that Moscow is intensively attacking the entire Europe in a desperate effort to create chaos and block armament and aid for Ukraine.
Russia's interests in Romania are even greater because Putin aims to take political control in Moldova to encircle Ukraine from the east and west.
The pressure exerted by the Kremlin on Bucharest is enormous, and the national security structures lack the expertise, people, and training to resist and react.
Stay calm! We are defended by NATO
Until 2024, all those responsible in the field of politics and defense relied on American assistance.
You may remember the speeches of Iohannis, Ciucă, and Ciolacu, in which they kept repeating that nothing could happen because "Romania is a pillar of stability" in Eastern Europe and "we are defended by NATO."
What has become of the "pillar of stability" is evident today - Călin Georgescu, Russia's political vector in Romania, is being transformed into a national hero by Kremlin's influence networks, which control parts of the defense, justice, and political systems.
The return of Donald Trump to power in the US in 2024, a friend and supporter of Vladimir Putin's policies, has been a catastrophe for our country.
America has stopped transferring information and tactical support, making Romania an easy prey for Russia.
The fact that we have been without a government for 5 months, without a president with authority, the drones buzzing above our heads, and Russia's people parading in Victory Square and giving speeches in the Parliament seem to no longer surprise anyone.
At the level of authority, the capacity to make decisions has been annulled through successive attacks, as well as the ability to project and describe the danger and threat from Moscow.
SRI compromised, SIE compromised, DGIA compromised, Permanent Electoral Authority compromised, the president left powerless, the Government dismissed. The situation is so dramatic, and the underground struggle continues, with no sign that a catastrophe can be avoided.
If Nicușor Dan suffers another defeat in Parliament, although he has signaled attempts to downplay the danger, his influence will be further diminished, entering the territory of constitutional violations.
Today, no one excludes the possibility of early elections and the prolongation of the political crisis indefinitely. Exactly what Russia aims for in Romania.