A decision by Romania’s central election authority to disqualify pro-Russian candidate Călin Georgescu from running in the May presidential election rerun has sparked protests.
In a detailed ruling issued late Sunday, the election authority cited a previous court decision as the basis for its decision, stating that Georgescu failed to comply with ballot regulations. The move threatens to exacerbate a constitutional crisis in this NATO and European Union member state, while also contributing to increasingly strained relations between Europe and the United States.
“It is unacceptable, during the election rerun, to claim that the same individual meets the requirements to assume the presidency,” the authority stated.
The disqualification triggered unrest in the capital, Bucharest. Hundreds of Georgescu’s supporters gathered outside the election bureau on Sunday night, chanting “Thieves!” and “Traitors!” Protesters clashed with riot police, hurling rocks, overturning vehicles, and setting trash bins on fire. Police responded with tear gas to disperse the crowd.
The disqualification follows a December decision by Romania’s constitutional court to annul the presidential election, citing allegations of Russian interference in Georgescu’s favor. The annulled election has put Romania at the center of a growing rift between the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump and European leaders over the interpretation and defense of democratic values.
Trump administration officials have portrayed the court’s annulment of the December election as evidence of European governments suppressing political dissent. Meanwhile, European diplomats have expressed support for the independence of Romania’s judiciary.
Georgescu has amplified the controversy, posting in English on X: “A direct blow to the heart of democracy worldwide! Europe is now a dictatorship, Romania is under tyranny!”
Sunday’s ruling was passed by a margin of 10 to four, with the election authority composed of supreme court judges and political party representatives. However, the decision is not final and can be challenged in the constitutional court.
The controversy surrounding Călin Georgescu extends beyond the election. He is under criminal investigation for multiple charges, including involvement in a fascist organization and providing false information about campaign financing.
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