National conservative politician Călin Georgescu will not be allowed to run for re-election in May, Romania’s electoral authority announced on Sunday. The decision has sparked protests in the capital Bucharest, where demonstrators are demanding justice and democracy.
Romania’s Central Electoral Authority (BEC), decided on Sunday to disqualify Călin Georgescu from participating in the upcoming presidential elections, scheduled to be held in May.
Georgescu, who somewhat unexpectedly won the first round of the presidential election last November, has since been the subject of extensive legal investigations and political attacks.
The December election was annulled by Romania’s Constitutional Court just two days before the second round was due to take place, leading to widespread protests across the country.
Arrested on vague grounds
In the aftermath of the court’s decision, Georgescu was arrested on what appear to be politically motivated charges. Romanian authorities have also carried out dozens of raids across the country against Georgescu’s supporters, including people linked to his election campaigns.
The court cited alleged Russian interference in the election, via social media, and campaign financing as reasons for the annulment – allegations that Moscow rejects.
Călin Georgescu has called the decision “a formalized coup d’état” and claims it is an attempt to undermine democracy in the country, based on the fact that powerful interests simply did not appreciate the election results.
BREAKING NEWS
The candidacy of Calin Georgescu for the presidential elections has been rejected by the Electoral Commission.
The country is in chaos.
Democracy has officially died in Romania and the European Union.
Europe has fallen.
— Radio Europe (@RadioEuropes) March 9, 2025
“Freedom!”
After the election authority’s announcement, hundreds of Georgescu’s supporters gathered outside the authority’s office in Bucharest, chanting “Freedom!” and tried to break through security barriers, leading to clashes with police, reports Al-Jazeera and others. Security forces used tear gas to disperse the crowd and several people were arrested during the protests.
Călin Georgescu has continued to lead the pre-election polls with around 40% of voter support. He has previously promised to “restore Romania’s dignity” and reduce the country’s dependence on international organizations such as NATO and the EU.
On social media, Georgescu criticized the electoral authority’s decision, calling it “A direct blow to the heart of democracy worldwide! I have one message left! If democracy in Romania falls, the entire democratic world will fall! This is just the beginning. Europe is now a dictatorship, Romania is under tyranny!”
A direct blow to the heart of democracy worldwide! I have one message left! If democracy in Romania falls, the entire democratic world will fall! This is just the beginning. It’s that simple!
Europe is now a dictatorship, Romania is under tyranny!
— Călin Georgescu OFFICIAL ACCOUNT (@CG_Romania) March 9, 2025
Support from the US government
US Vice President JD Vance and tech entrepreneur Elon Musk have also expressed support for Georgescu and criticized Romania’s handling of the election.
In February, Vance accused Romania of invalidating the election on the basis of “weak suspicions” from Romanian intelligence and pressure from neighboring countries. Elon Musk describes the electoral authority’s decision as “crazy”, on his platform X.
Georgescu now faces a range of criminal charges, including disseminating false information about campaign financing, supporting fascist organizations and sedition against the constitutional order. He denies all charges and says they are entirely politically motivated.
At the time of writing, not a single piece of evidence that stands up to objective scrutiny has so far been presented by the Romanian Central Election Authority or other Romanian authorities.
Decision under appeal
The decision of the electoral authority can still be appealed to Romania’s Constitutional Court, which is expected to make a final decision by Wednesday this week. Meanwhile, protests continue in Bucharest, with demonstrators demanding justice and freedom for Georgescu to run in the elections.
The disqualification of Călin Georgescu from the presidential elections has created a political crisis in Romania, with accusations of violations of democratic principles.
As his supporters protest in the streets, the question remains whether or not he will be allowed to participate in the elections – a decision that could have far-reaching consequences for both Romania and Europe.
