Calin Georgescu, an ultranationalist candidate, has been disqualified from Romania’s presidential election redo, leading to protests in Bucharest. The Central Electoral Bureau cited no specific reasons for the ruling, which follows criminal charges against Georgescu for inciting actions against constitutional order. The decision heightens political tensions in Romania ahead of the election.
Romania’s Central Electoral Bureau has officially barred Calin Georgescu, an ultranationalist candidate known for his critical stance towards Ukraine and NATO, from participating in the upcoming presidential election redo scheduled for May. This decision follows Georgescu’s success in the initial round of voting last year, which was subsequently annulled, and comes amid heightened political tensions in the country.
The electoral authority, citing no specific reasons for their ruling, also dismissed three additional candidates. This announcement coincided with criminal charges against Georgescu, accusing him of actions that allegedly contravene the constitutional order, dissemination of falsehoods, and links to organizations displaying fascist, racist, or xenophobic tendencies.
His disqualification sparked a modest yet violent protest in Bucharest, where several hundred supporters expressed their outrage against the electoral commission. Demonstrators shouted accusations of theft and betrayal, leading to clashes with law enforcement, who deployed tear gas in response to projectiles including stones and firecrackers.
Despite the protests being smaller in scale compared to previous demonstrations, the incident has intensified political tensions and raised concerns over potential violence during the upcoming election. Romania’s presidency, while limited in power, plays a significant role in shaping foreign policy, especially given its geographic and military positioning in relation to neighboring Ukraine.
In summary, Calin Georgescu has been barred from Romania’s presidential election redo, resulting in protests that signify the potential for escalating political unrest. The Central Electoral Bureau’s decision, made in conjunction with criminal allegations against Georgescu, emphasizes the heightened sensitivities surrounding the election and the impact of ultranationalism in Romanian politics.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
