In a move that has sent shockwaves through Romania’s political landscape, the Central Electoral Bureau (BEC) has invalidated the presidential candidacy of far-right politician Călin Georgescu. This decision, announced on Sunday, has sparked violent protests in Bucharest and raised concerns about the nation’s democratic processes.
Călin Georgescu, known for his pro-Russian stance and ultranationalist views, emerged as a significant political figure during the November 2024 presidential elections. He secured an unexpected lead in the first round, leveraging a robust social media campaign that resonated with disenchanted voters, particularly the youth and rural populations. However, allegations of Russian interference and undisclosed campaign financing led the Constitutional Court to annul the election results on December 6, 2024.
Undeterred, Georgescu sought to participate in the rescheduled elections set for May 2025. The BEC’s recent decision to reject his candidacy is rooted in these prior allegations, citing violations of extremism laws and concerns over his endorsement of fascist leaders. The electoral authority emphasized that allowing Georgescu to run would contradict the Constitutional Court’s previous annulment, which was based on findings of illegal campaign financing and foreign interference.
The BEC’s announcement has ignited violent protests in the capital. Supporters of Georgescu gathered outside the BEC headquarters, hurling eggs and cobblestones, setting fire to public property, and clashing with law enforcement. These confrontations resulted in injuries to 13 police officers, with four requiring hospitalization. Authorities have identified over 500 participants, detained seven individuals, and filed charges against at least three.
The situation has drawn international attention. U.S. Vice President JD Vance criticized the annulment of last year’s election, suggesting it reflects a democratic decline in Europe. He accused Romanian authorities of acting on „flimsy” intelligence and succumbing to external pressures. Additionally, tech magnate Elon Musk labeled the BEC’s move as „crazy,” highlighting global concerns about the state of democracy in Romania.
Georgescu has condemned the BEC’s decision as a direct assault on democracy and has vowed to challenge it. He has 24 hours to file a complaint, after which the Constitutional Court will have 48 hours to issue a ruling, expected by Wednesday evening. As Romania approaches the rescheduled elections in May, the nation stands at a crossroads, grappling with the balance between safeguarding democratic integrity and ensuring national security.
