The Foreign Intelligence Service (SIE) pointed out that the head of the French foreign intelligence service, Nicolas Lerner, did not visit Romania before the second round of the presidential election, and mentioned that it would not respond to 'attempts at manipulation and disinformation' circulated in the public space, and that insinuations about possible political involvement are 'unsupported by evidence.'

'Following the continued circulation in the public space of information claiming that the head of the French foreign intelligence service, Mr. Nicolas Lerner, visited Romania a few days before the second round of the presidential election, we clarify - for the correct information of the public - that no such visit took place,' the SIE informed in a press release.

According to the same source, 'the activity of the Foreign Intelligence Service is apolitical, clearly and transparently regulated by law, and has as its main objective the defence of national security interests, in compliance with the rule of law.'

'The Foreign Intelligence Service will not respond to attempts at manipulation and disinformation circulated in the public space. The insinuations regarding a possible political involvement are unsupported by evidence and are intended to create distrust in state institutions. We reaffirm our firm commitment to the Romanian people to uphold constitutional values, and we urge both the public and the media to approach any information with the potential for disinformation with responsibility, awareness and objectivity,' the SIE added.

The Romanian Intelligence Service (SRI) also rejected claims that the head of the French foreign intelligence service visited Romania.

The AUR party (Alliance for the Union of Romanians) claimed, in a statement released on May 26, that the head of the French intelligence service, Nicolas Lerner, had 'discreetly' visited Romania before the second round of the election, which would represent 'clear evidence of foreign intervention' in the country's elections.

'Romania is currently living under a false democracy. Nicusor Dan, presented as an ‘independent', is in fact a product of the system - supported by former presidents, intelligence generals, paid influencers and foreign embassies. The discreet visit of the head of the French intelligence service, Nicolas Lerner, before the second round is clear evidence of foreign intervention in our elections,' AUR claimed. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Alina Novaceanu; EN - writing by: Adina Panaitescu)