Romania’s electoral commission has barred far-right candidate Calin Georgescu from the presidential election, prompting protests in Bucharest. Georgescu condemned the decision as an attack on democracy and is currently facing various legal challenges. His campaign received support from notable U.S. figures, raising concerns about foreign influence in Romanian politics.
Romania’s electoral commission has barred the far-right politician Calin Georgescu from running in the upcoming presidential elections. The commission announced the rejection of his independent candidacy without clarifying the reasons behind the decision. Georgescu’s supporters expressed their discontent by protesting in the streets of Bucharest, attempting to access the electoral commission’s building.
In a statement on the social media platform X, Georgescu criticized the electoral commission’s ruling, labeling it as “a direct blow to the heart of democracy worldwide.” He asserted that “Europe is now a dictatorship, Romania is under tyranny!” His unexpected rise in the polls, where he previously led with approximately 40%, came to a halt after a constitutional court annulled his candidacy due to claims of Russian interference, which both he and Moscow have refuted.
Georgescu faces a range of legal challenges, including allegations of false statements related to campaign funding and connections to Russia. Further charges include accusations of inciting actions against the constitutional order and supporting fascist or xenophobic organizations. Notably, he has campaigned against aid to Ukraine and has characterized himself as a strong supporter of former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Prominent figures connected to the Trump administration have voiced their support for Georgescu. In response to the electoral commission’s decision, Trump advisor Elon Musk remarked, “This is crazy!” Additionally, U.S. Vice President JD Vance criticized the constitutional court for its annulment of the presidential vote, denouncing the Romanian government for what he termed “canceling elections because you don’t like the result.”
The banning of Calin Georgescu’s candidacy by Romania’s electoral commission has ignited significant unrest among his supporters and drawn attention from U.S. political figures. Amidst legal controversies and allegations of foreign interference, Georgescu’s future in Romanian politics remains uncertain. This situation raises concerns over electoral integrity and democratic processes in Romania, as highlighted by the reactions of various political leaders from the United States.
Original Source: www.dw.com
