Memes and Their Role in the 2019 Romanian Presidential Elections: An Exploratory Analysis
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Date
2025
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
College of Communication and Public Relations of the National University of Political Studies and Public Administration
Abstract
This article explores the influence of memes on political discourse and public opinion during the 2019 Romanian presidential elections. Focusing on memes related to candidates Klaus Iohannis and Viorica D & atilde;ncil & atilde;, the article highlights the dual role of memes: as entertainment and as tools for framing political narratives in a biased manner. Employing content analysis, the article offers a view over the types of memes that emerged during the 2019 Romanian presidential elections, emphasizing the representation of the two front-runner candidates: Klaus Iohannis and Viorica D & atilde;ncil & atilde;. Generally, memes of both candidates were negative in tone with Iohannis more likely to be framed in terms of his funny and humorous situations and D & atilde;ncil & atilde; in terms of her low intellectual qualities. The article calls for further exploration into the strategic use of memes in politics, aiming to grasp their impact on shaping public perceptions and narratives in the upcoming 2024 elections.
Description
This is an Open Access article under the CC-By 4.0 license available at: https://journalofcommunication.ro/index.php/journalofcommunication/article/view/593
The author Andreea Stancea is affiliated to SNSPA, Faculty of Communication and Public Relations.
The author Iulia Calin is affiliated to SNSPA, Faculty of Communication and Public Relations.
The article is published in Romanian Journal of Communication and Public Relations, a triannual peer reviewed open access international academic journal published under the aegis of the College of Communication and Public Relations of the National University of Political Studies and Public Administration, through the Center for Research in Communication.
Keywords
Disinformation, Political communication, Political humor, Elections, Romania
Citation
Stancea, A., Călin, I., & Ciocîrlan, C. (2025). Memes and Their Role in the 2019 Romanian Presidential Elections: An Exploratory Analysis. Romanian Journal of Communication and Public Relations, 26(2), 7–24. https://doi.org/10.21018/rjcpr.2024.2.593