Cǎlin Georgescu Disqualified from Romanian Presidential Election Re-Run
Romania’s central election authority has barred Cǎlin Georgescu from the May presidential election re-run, a decision criticized by far-right leaders. Supporters protested outside the election office, and the decision can be appealed in court. The rejection followed allegations of Russian interference during the previous election, leading to a wave of international commentary on political suppression.
Romania’s central election authority has rejected Cǎlin Georgescu, a far-right pro-Russia candidate, from participating in the upcoming presidential election re-run scheduled for May. This announcement, made on Sunday evening, prompted leaders from far-right parties to denounce the decision as undemocratic. Georgescu’s candidacy can be contested in the constitutional court.
Following the announcement, numerous supporters of Georgescu gathered outside the election bureau, expressing their discontent by shouting “Freedom” and attempting to breach security measures. Georgescu had officially submitted his candidacy for the May election re-run on Friday, despite existing doubts regarding his eligibility.
The highest court in Romania previously annulled the election process two days prior to the second round of voting in December, citing potential Russian interference favoring Georgescu, which is denied by Moscow. In response to the cancellation of the election, members from former U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration criticized it as an example of political suppression in Europe.
Tech entrepreneur and Trump advisor Elon Musk labeled the election authority’s ruling as “crazy” on his social media platform, X. Georgescu is currently under criminal investigation, facing six charges, which include membership in a fascist organization and dissemination of false campaign financing information, all of which he denies.
The disqualification of Cǎlin Georgescu from the Romanian presidential election re-run highlights significant tensions surrounding political freedom and electoral integrity. The scenario has sparked reactions from international figures, further complicating Romania’s political landscape, particularly in the context of Russian influence and accusations of suppression against political adversaries.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
