Romanian far-right populist Calin Georgescu has officially appealed against the Central Electoral Bureau (BEC) ruling that disallowed his participation in the coming presidential election set for May. The appeal is under judicial review by the Constitutional Court, convening Tuesday, with a decision expected by Wednesday. The BEC's decision to reject Georgescu's candidacy came after a decisive 10-4 vote, citing failure to "defend democracy" as grounds. This move follows last year's annulment of an election round where Georgescu emerged at the forefront amid claims of Russian interference via support on TikTok.
Calin Georgescu Appeals Election Ban Amid Protests in Romania
Calin Georgescu Appeals Election Ban Amid Protests in Romania
Far-right politician Calin Georgescu contests electoral bureau's ruling that barred him from upcoming presidential election, sparking public unrest.
In his appeal, Georgescu contends that the BEC overstepped its authority and maintained that the previous court's ruling regarding the November elections should not affect his eligibility for the May elections. He publicly framed the ban as an affront to democracy and ignited significant backlash, resulting in protests that turned violent in Bucharest. Supporters rallied outside the BEC's headquarters, leading to clashes with police and multiple arrests.
Georgescu, in a video address, encouraged his supporters to maintain a non-violent stance despite the upheaval while expressing hope for the nation's future. His ally, George Simion, head of the far-right Alliance for Uniting Romanians (AUR), has characterized the situation as a "coup d'état," inciting further tensions. His recent inflammatory comments regarding violent retribution led to his investigation by the prosecutor general, who is probing the potential incitement of violence.
On February 26, Georgescu faced detention while attempting to register for the election, igniting mass protests in Bucharest. Emerging from near obscurity, he has transformed into a significant political figure, receiving some backing from foreign entities, including the Trump administration. Accusations of election nullification by Romanian authorities, spurred by dubious intelligence assessments, have received critical attention internationally, including remarks from influential figures such as US Vice President JD Vance and advisor Elon Musk, calling into question the integrity of Romanian democracy.
Georgescu, in a video address, encouraged his supporters to maintain a non-violent stance despite the upheaval while expressing hope for the nation's future. His ally, George Simion, head of the far-right Alliance for Uniting Romanians (AUR), has characterized the situation as a "coup d'état," inciting further tensions. His recent inflammatory comments regarding violent retribution led to his investigation by the prosecutor general, who is probing the potential incitement of violence.
On February 26, Georgescu faced detention while attempting to register for the election, igniting mass protests in Bucharest. Emerging from near obscurity, he has transformed into a significant political figure, receiving some backing from foreign entities, including the Trump administration. Accusations of election nullification by Romanian authorities, spurred by dubious intelligence assessments, have received critical attention internationally, including remarks from influential figures such as US Vice President JD Vance and advisor Elon Musk, calling into question the integrity of Romanian democracy.
