In an era defined by digital engagement and political sensitivity, analyzing how Romania’s key institutions are perceived online is more crucial than ever. Examining their visibility and impact across digital media and social platforms provides valuable insights into public sentiment and political discourse. The report by the CPD team delves into the online presence of Romania’s major institutions during the politically charged autumn of 2024, offering a detailed look at how they shaped and were shaped by digital narratives.
The full report can be found here.
Elections take center stage in the digital space
As Romania prepared for its parliamentary and presidential elections, the political climate significantly shaped the online visibility of its institutions. Unsurprisingly, the Chamber of Deputies, Constitutional Court (CCR), and the Romanian Presidency ranked highest in both mentions and estimated audience reach. From debates on parliamentary candidates to court rulings impacting the electoral process, these institutions remained at the forefront of public and media discussions.
The Chamber of Deputies stood out as the most visible institution, accumulating over 13,000 mentions and reaching an estimated 143 million people. This surge in visibility was driven by electoral debates and key legislative developments, placing it at the core of digital conversations.
Justice and accountability under scrutiny
Institutions connected to justice and law enforcement, such as the National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA) and the Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT), remained highly visible in digital conversations. Their prominence was largely fueled by high-profile investigations and legal proceedings, which kept public interest consistently high. Media coverage played a crucial role in amplifying these discussions, further shaping the narratives surrounding justice and accountability.
Facebook’s role in shaping narratives
The report underscores Facebook’s pivotal role in amplifying institutional narratives, influencing both regional and national conversations, and maintaining its status as a key platform for public engagement. A significant portion of mentions originated from Facebook pages linked to institutions, politicians, and media outlets.
For example, local interest in institutions like the Romanian Police and Romanian Army was often driven by region-specific events or initiatives, highlighting the power of localized storytelling in reaching wider audiences.
Visibility does not always translate to impact
Notably, some institutions with high visibility did not have a proportionate impact. For instance, although the Romanian Parliament had fewer mentions than top-ranked institutions, it reached a wide audience thanks to strategic coverage by major media outlets.
Diverging media focus
The analysis highlights how different media sectors prioritize specific institutions. Justice-related bodies, such as the Superior Council of Magistracy (CSM), were more frequently covered by specialized legal outlets, while institutions like the Romanian Government received extensive coverage in mainstream and economic media.
Disclaimer: The insights and graphs quoted above were extracted from a report written by the CPD team using NewsVibe data. The report can be accessed at civicparticipation.ro.
