Romanian far-right presidential hopeful barred from poll rerun
Romanian far-right populist Calin Georgescu was banned from the May presidential election reenactment by the country’s central election bureau (BEC), causing a conflict between his supporters and the police.
Last year, Romania’s Constitutional Court repealed the first round of votes in November – he was the first round, after intelligence revealed that Russia was involved in 800 Tiktok accounts supporting him.
The BEC rejected his candidacy on Sunday, saying it was “not legally qualified” because he “breached the obligation to defend democracy.”
Georgescu called the decision a “direct blow” to democracy. From Sunday’s judgment, he has 24 hours to file a formal appeal to the top court, which should make a ruling within 72 hours.
In social media posts, Georgescu called the ban a “direct blow to the heart of democracy around the world.”
Tears gas opened to the president’s supporters as violence broke out between them and the police Outside the BEC office in the capital Bucharest.
The BBC saw at least one car flipped and the windows of the adjacent bar were smashed. At least four people were detained.
As many protesters left the scene, hundreds remained and continued to fight against riot police, who brought reinforcements and tried to block the area.
February 26, Georgescu was arrested when he registered as a candidate in the summer electionprompting thousands of Romanians Parade on the streets of Bucharest protest.
He was accused of trying to overturn the constitutional order and members of the new fascist organization. He denied all wrongdoing.
The 62-year-old independent It was abolished a few days before the second round of voting.
One key to his sudden popularity was his commitment to “restore Romania’s dignity” and ending obedience to international organizations, including NATO and the EU.
Pro-Russian politician told the BBC before the abolition last year End all support for Ukraine’s election.
George Cu also received some support from the Trump administration.
Last month, U.S. Vice President JD Vance accused Romania of eliminating elections based on “fragile suspicion” of Romanian intelligence and pressure on neighbors.
Meanwhile, Romanian Foreign Minister Emil Hurezeanu accused Elon Musk of taking a “form of intervention” in Romania’s elections after billionaires released several support for Georgescu.
