Romanian Far-Right Leader Barred from Presidential Election Rerun
Romanian far-right populist Calin Georgescu has been blocked from running in May’s presidential election rerun by the country’s Central Electoral Bureau.
The decision follows the annulment of the original election’s first round in December, in which Georgescu emerged as the frontrunner. Romania’s constitutional court overturned the results after intelligence agencies uncovered Russian involvement in 800 TikTok accounts supporting him.
The Electoral Bureau cited “procedural issues” as the reason for rejecting Georgescu’s candidacy but did not provide further details. In response, Georgescu condemned the ruling as a “direct blow” to democracy.
He has 24 hours from Sunday’s decision to file an appeal, which must be resolved within 72 hours.
In a social media statement, he described the ban as “a direct blow to the heart of democracy worldwide.”
Tensions escalated outside the Electoral Bureau’s offices as thousands of Georgescu’s supporters gathered in protest. Clashes broke out between demonstrators and police, leading officers to deploy tear gas. The BBC witnessed at least one overturned car and damage to nearby bars, with at least four people detained.
Although many protesters eventually dispersed, several hundred remained, continuing to confront riot police, who called for reinforcements and attempted to secure the area.
Georgescu, 62, was arrested on February 26 while en route to register for the summer election. His detention sparked massive demonstrations in Bucharest, with tens of thousands taking to the streets. He faces charges of attempting to overthrow the constitutional order and membership in a neo-fascist organization, accusations he strongly denies.
His unexpected rise in last year’s election came as he campaigned on promises to “restore Romania’s dignity” and reduce the country’s dependence on international organizations such as NATO and the EU. Just days before the decisive second round, authorities annulled the results.
A vocal pro-Russian politician, Georgescu previously told the BBC that he would cut all support for Ukraine if elected.
His case has attracted international attention, including from the Trump administration. Last month, US Vice President JD Vance criticized Romania for voiding the election based on what he called “flimsy suspicions” from intelligence services and external pressure.
Meanwhile, Romanian Foreign Minister Emil Hurezeanu accused billionaire Elon Musk of “interference” in the election after Musk posted multiple messages in support of Georgescu.
