Romania Prosecutors Indict Far-Right Candidate Calin Georgescu for Fraudulent Claims
Romanian prosecutors indicted far-right politician Calin Georgescu for false statements related to his presidential campaign financing. Following allegations of Russian interference, the elections were annulled, prompting widespread protests. Georgescu faces multiple charges, including instigation against the constitutional order, and is currently under judicial control as authorities continue their investigation.
On February 26, 2023, prosecutors in Romania formally indicted far-right politician Calin Georgescu for allegedly making “false statements” regarding the financial backing of his presidential campaign from the previous year, which had been annulled by a court. The constitutional court’s decision came in December after accusations surfaced concerning Russian interference and extensive social media support for Georgescu, who rapidly gained prominence. Georgescu has denied the allegations and characterized the annulment as a “formalized coup d’état.”
On the morning of the indictment, authorities detained Georgescu while he was driving and transported him to the prosecutor general’s office for questioning. The specific charges against him include making continuous “false statements regarding the sources of financing of the electoral campaign and declarations of assets.” A judicial source confirmed to Agence France-Presse that the charges are directed at Georgescu, and he is now required to meet weekly with authorities under judicial control.
Additional allegations against Georgescu involve “instigation to actions against the constitutional order, in attempted form,” as well as the “communication of false information” and the potential establishment of a fascist or racist organization. Earlier that day, police also conducted searches on numerous properties across the nation as part of their investigation into the alleged misconduct implicated in his campaign.
In reaction to the law enforcement actions, Georgescu expressed his defiance on Facebook, stating he is “fighting this security system that wants us in slavery.” His supporters gathered outside the prosecutor’s office, protesting and chanting “traitors” and “liberty.” The cancellation of the elections has escalated tensions in Romania, leading to widespread protests. A new first round of presidential elections is scheduled for May 4, with a second round planned for May 18 if no candidate secures over 50% of the vote in the first round.
The indictment of Calin Georgescu highlights a significant political controversy in Romania, stemming from allegations of electoral misconduct and interference. His claims of innocence and characterization of the annulment as a coup d’état reflect his contentious stance against the authorities. As the situation develops, Romania prepares for new presidential elections amidst heightened societal unrest.
Original Source: www.lemonde.fr
