On March 11, 2025, Romania’s Constitutional Court upheld a ban on Calin Georgescu’s presidential bid after the annulment of the previous elections, sparking protests from his supporters. Georgescu criticized the establishment and emphasized fighting corruption, while tensions rise in a politically volatile landscape. The rerun election is scheduled for May 4, 2025, with potential changes to candidacy ahead of the March 15 deadline.
On March 11, 2025, a top Romanian court affirmed the prohibition of Calin Georgescu, a far-right politician, from participating in the upcoming presidential election rerun. The ruling from Romania’s Constitutional Court closely follows the annulment of the previous election in which Georgescu secured victory in the first round. The court’s unanimous decision remains final, with no clarification provided on the basis of their ruling.
Supporters of Calin Georgescu, expressing their discontent, gathered outside the court waving flags and chanting accusations of corruption. The Central Election Bureau had previously cited the Constitutional Court’s annulment of last year’s elections along with allegations of electoral infringements and a concerted online campaign from Russia promoting Georgescu’s candidacy.
In response to the court’s ruling, Georgescu publicly decried the establishment, characterizing it as resistant to external influences. He criticized Romania’s reliance on the European Union and NATO, framing his campaign as a battle against corruption and injustices faced by the populace. He emphasized the necessity for democratic expression amidst perceived threats to freedom and democracy in the nation.
The court’s decision could escalate tensions within Romania and the broader European Union, as the country has been experiencing significant political turmoil since the annulment of the last election. The first round of the rerun elections is slated for May 4. Should no candidate achieve a majority, a runoff will take place on May 18, 2025.
Given the impending nomination deadline of March 15 for replacing Georgescu, political speculation suggests George Simion, a close political ally, may assume candidacy. Following the court ruling, Simion decried the decision as a “huge blow against democracy,” advocating for the restoration of democratic processes in Romania.
Simultaneously, criminal investigations against Georgescu have been launched, accusing him of various offenses, including incitement against the constitutional order and supporting extremist groups. Georgescu, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing, previously showcased polling numbers in single digits prior to the November election.
Controversy surrounds Georgescu, who has publicly expressed admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin and has made remarks on historical fascists. His exclusion has garnered international scrutiny, drawing criticisms from prominent figures including U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Elon Musk, both questioning the legitimacy of any election sans Georgescu’s participation. Furthermore, remarks from Russian officials condemned the ruling.
Local leaders like Elena Lasconi and Nicusor Dan have expressed varying views on the repercussions of the court’s ruling, underscoring the need for restoring trust within Romanian institutions and addressing societal divisions as the country navigates through this political crisis.
In summary, the Romanian Constitutional Court’s upholding of the ban on Calin Georgescu’s presidential candidacy highlights ongoing political tensions in Romania following last year’s electoral annulment. The ruling has provoked significant reactions from Georgescu’s supporters and political figures alike, raising concerns regarding the state of democracy and governance in the nation. The upcoming rerun elections present a critical juncture for Romanian democracy, as various political actors prepare to address the implications of the court’s decision while striving for public trust and unity within the electorate.
Original Source: apnews.com
