Meta has removed the Facebook page of Gandul, one of Romania’s most prominent independent digital newspapers, without prior warning—triggering strong backlash over press freedom and platform accountability.

The verified page, which had more than one million followers, was abruptly deactivated on February 22. In a sharply worded editorial published yesterday, Gandul described the move as an “attack on independent journalism” and a “serious threat to press freedom and the Romanian public’s right to information.”

Criticism Over Canceled 2024 Romanian Presidential Election

Gandul has been openly critical of the cancellation of Romania’s 2024 presidential election. The decision by the Constitutional Court of Romania to suspend the entire electoral process after the first round—won by Calin Georgescu—has been described by the outlet as deeply problematic and harmful to the country’s democracy.

“Years of Journalism Erased With One Click”

Despite holding Facebook’s blue verification badge, Gαndul accuses Meta of wiping out years of journalistic work “with a single click.” The outlet also claims Meta operates in Romania without paying local taxes, creating unfair competition in the media market.

According to the newspaper, the shutdown occurred without notice, leading to a dramatic collapse in its reach.

Within just one day, Gandul estimates it lost between 6 and 7 million daily views and nearly 200 million monthly views across Facebook and its website—dealing a severe blow to its audience and advertising revenue.

The publication, which describes itself as Romania’s most influential opposition media outlet, said Meta cited only a vague copyright complaint in private communication, without identifying the specific content or providing a meaningful opportunity to appeal.

No Response From Meta, Failed Appeals

Repeated attempts to restore the page through Facebook’s standard review process have so far failed. Meta has not issued any public statement on the matter.

The lack of communication has reinforced Gandul’s claims that the move constitutes a direct restriction on independent journalism and the Romanian public’s right to access information.

Possible Breach of EU Digital Services Act (DSA)

Under the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA), Meta—designated as a Very Large Online Platform (VLOP) due to its operation of Facebook—has specific obligations when restricting or removing content, accounts, or entire pages like Gandul’s.

Platforms are also required to submit data on such decisions to the DSA Transparency Database.

Formal Complaints Filed With Romanian and EU Authorities

Gandul has formally appealed to Romanian authorities—including Parliament, the government, the ANCOM, the Competition Council, and the European Commission—calling for an investigation into what it describes as an abuse of dominant market position under national and EU law.

Political Tensions Rise Over Prosecutor Appointments

Meanwhile, Romania is facing additional controversy over a decision by interim President Nicușor Dan to appoint top prosecutors.

Late yesterday, the president signed decrees appointing Cristina Cîrîac as Prosecutor General, Viorel Cerbu as head of the National Anti-Corruption Directorate (DNA), along with other senior officials.

The move came despite negative opinions from the Superior Council of Magistracy and strong objections from civil society groups and journalists who had supported Dan’s election campaign.

Critics, including former Justice Minister Stelian Ion, warn that the appointments could undermine Romania’s anti-corruption efforts, citing allegations that Cîrîac previously concealed evidence in a high-profile sexual abuse case.

President Dan defended his choices as professionally justified and rejected claims of political interference…