Independent candidate Călin Georgescu condemned the Romanian Constitutional Court’s ruling to annul presidential election results, accusing it of executing an undemocratic coup. His opponent, Elena Lasconi, echoed severe criticism over the ruling, while outgoing President Klaus Iohannis cited foreign interference as a justification. The controversy surrounding Georgescu’s unexpected electoral success points to wider issues of transparency and foreign involvement in Romanian politics.
Călin Georgescu, an independent far-right candidate, has strongly criticized Romania’s Constitutional Court (CCR) following its decision to annul the first round of presidential elections and cancel the upcoming runoff due to allegations of Russian interference. During a broadcast on Realitatea TV, Georgescu accused the CCR of undermining democratic principles, stating that the court’s ruling represents a “formalised coup d’état” and lamenting the current state of the rule of law in Romania, which he claims is merely a facade.
The recent annulment of the election results has elicited a profound response across Romania’s political landscape. Georgescu initially secured victory in the first round of voting on November 24. However, his unexpected rise has been shadowed by allegations of foreign interference, particularly from Russia, casting doubts on the legitimacy of his campaign. President Klaus Iohannis raised alarms regarding intelligence reports of illegal support for Georgescu, while opposing candidates expressed their dismay at the court’s ruling, asserting that it jeopardizes decades of democratic progress in Romania.
The ruling of the Constitutional Court has sparked significant outrage among political figures, with calls to uphold democratic integrity flooding in. While some welcome the decision as a necessary safeguard against foreign interference, others decry it as a violation of democratic rights and processes. The episode highlights ongoing tensions regarding electoral transparency and foreign influence in Romanian politics, underscoring a critical juncture in the nation’s democratic journey.
Original Source: www.euronews.com