Far-Right Leader Calin Georgescu Files Candidacy for Rerun of Romanian Presidential Election
Calin Georgescu, the far-right candidate whose initial win was annulled, has refiled to run in Romania’s presidential rerun. He celebrated with supporters and presented 324,000 signatures to support his campaign, condemning previous decisions as anti-democratic. While he faces a criminal investigation, other candidates, including Nicusor Dan, have also announced their bids for the presidency in this upcoming election scheduled for May 2025.
Calin Georgescu, a far-right populist, has formally filed his candidacy for the rerun of Romania’s annulled presidential elections. This announcement was made on Friday, March 7, 2025, outside the Central Election Bureau in Bucharest, where he was met by hundreds of enthusiastic supporters. His initial victory in the first round was invalidated by the Romanian Constitutional Court following allegations of foreign interference during the election campaign.
Following the annulment, Georgescu condemned the court’s ruling as an “officialized coup” and an affront to democracy, stating, “On December 6 … democracy was killed.” During his registration, he presented over 324,000 signatures in support of his candidacy, emphasizing the need to uphold democracy and the voice of the Romanian people. However, questions remain regarding his eligibility due to a pending criminal investigation against him for incitement and supporting extremist groups.
The rerun elections are set for May 4, 2025, with a potential runoff on May 18 if no candidate secures a majority. Candidates have until midnight on March 15 to submit their applications, after which the Central Election Bureau will have 48 hours to process them. Nicusor Dan, the incumbent mayor of Bucharest, has also declared his candidacy as an independent, promoting an “Honest Romania” campaign. Georgescu’s rising profile among the far-right has garnered support from notable figures, including U.S. Vice President JD Vance and entrepreneur Elon Musk.
Calin Georgescu’s candidacy represents a significant moment in Romanian politics, reflecting the ongoing tension surrounding the annulled presidential elections. His claims of a democratic resurgence, combined with legal challenges, set the stage for a contentious electoral cycle. Additionally, the widespread support he has received from both local and international figures indicates the complexity and polarization within Romania’s political landscape.
Original Source: apnews.com
