Georgescu's disqualification follows a court ruling that annulled the first round of voting, citing foreign interference, which he claims undermines democracy.
**Romanian Far-Right Presidential Candidate Disqualified from Election Rerun Amidst Protests**
**Romanian Far-Right Presidential Candidate Disqualified from Election Rerun Amidst Protests**
Romania’s Central Electoral Bureau has barred far-right candidate Calin Georgescu from the upcoming presidential election rerun, igniting violent clashes between his supporters and law enforcement.
The Central Electoral Bureau (BEC) of Romania has made a controversial decision to disqualify far-right presidential candidate, Calin Georgescu, from the rerun of the election scheduled for May. The ruling has resulted in clashes between his supporters and riot police, particularly in the capital, Bucharest.
This decision stems from a previous ruling by Romania's constitutional court that voided the results of November's election first round, in which Georgescu emerged as the frontrunner. The annulment was attributed to the revelation of Russian involvement through fake TikTok accounts promoting his campaign, raising concerns over foreign influence in the electoral process.
The BEC stated that Georgescu's candidacy was rejected as it "doesn't meet the conditions of legality" due to his alleged violation of obligations to uphold democracy. Following this announcement, Georgescu expressed his outrage through social media, describing the ruling as a "direct blow to democracy" worldwide.
Tensions escalated as thousands of Georgescu's supporters gathered outside the BEC. The situation deteriorated into violence, with reports of tear gas being deployed by police as they sought to control the crowd, resulting in at least four arrests. Protesters shattered windows and overturned vehicles as they expressed their discontent with the electoral decision.
Georgescu, who was arrested earlier this year while attempting to register as a candidate, faces charges related to plotting to overthrow the constitutional order, which he vehemently denies. His political rise has been fueled by a promise to restore what he calls Romania's dignity and challenge the nation's alignment with NATO and the EU.
His unexpected popularity has also garnered attention from international figures, including members of the Trump administration, who have criticized Romania's handling of the election. As reactions unfold, it remains to be seen how Georgescu will respond to the BEC's ruling and whether he will pursue an appeal in the coming days.
This decision stems from a previous ruling by Romania's constitutional court that voided the results of November's election first round, in which Georgescu emerged as the frontrunner. The annulment was attributed to the revelation of Russian involvement through fake TikTok accounts promoting his campaign, raising concerns over foreign influence in the electoral process.
The BEC stated that Georgescu's candidacy was rejected as it "doesn't meet the conditions of legality" due to his alleged violation of obligations to uphold democracy. Following this announcement, Georgescu expressed his outrage through social media, describing the ruling as a "direct blow to democracy" worldwide.
Tensions escalated as thousands of Georgescu's supporters gathered outside the BEC. The situation deteriorated into violence, with reports of tear gas being deployed by police as they sought to control the crowd, resulting in at least four arrests. Protesters shattered windows and overturned vehicles as they expressed their discontent with the electoral decision.
Georgescu, who was arrested earlier this year while attempting to register as a candidate, faces charges related to plotting to overthrow the constitutional order, which he vehemently denies. His political rise has been fueled by a promise to restore what he calls Romania's dignity and challenge the nation's alignment with NATO and the EU.
His unexpected popularity has also garnered attention from international figures, including members of the Trump administration, who have criticized Romania's handling of the election. As reactions unfold, it remains to be seen how Georgescu will respond to the BEC's ruling and whether he will pursue an appeal in the coming days.
