Political science professor Vladimir Tismăneanu has criticized the involvement of intelligence services in Romania’s recent political crisis. In an interview, Tismăneanu questioned the democratic oversight of these services, specifically pointing to the participation of an intelligence chief in government formation. He views the current political turmoil as a symptom of deeper institutional weaknesses within Romania’s democracy. Tismăneanu suggests a lack of clear leadership, questioning whether Lucian Pahonţu or Nicuşor Dan currently holds the true power in the country. He implies a concerning level of influence wielded by clandestine networks, referred to as “the Forest” and “the Virus,” which he believes contributed to the crisis. The professor, based in the US, frames the situation as a broader erosion of democratic control and accountability. His comments raise concerns about the appropriate role of intelligence agencies in a democratic society.