Romania Excludes Ultranationalist Candidate Calin Georgescu from Presidential Elections

Romania’s electoral commission has barred ultranationalist Calin Georgescu from the presidential race due to his anti-NATO and pro-Russian sentiments. His disqualification coincides with a criminal investigation alleging incitement and the formation of a fascist organization. The decision sparked protests in Bucharest, raising political tensions ahead of the election.

Romania’s Central Electoral Bureau has barred Calin Georgescu, an ultranationalist candidate, from participating in the upcoming presidential election redo scheduled for May. His candidacy was rejected due to his vocal criticisms of NATO and Ukraine, alongside his expressed sympathies for Russia and Romania’s fascist regime from World War II. This decision also extended to three additional potential candidates.

The decision followed the initiation of a criminal investigation against Mr. Georgescu for inciting actions against Romania’s constitutional order. He faces allegations of spreading disinformation and establishing an organization characterized by fascist, racist, or xenophobic ideologies, although the electoral bureau did not provide specific reasons for their ruling.

In response to the announcement, several hundred protesters gathered outside the election bureau in Bucharest, expressing their anger with shouts of “thieves” and “traitors,” resulting in confrontations with law enforcement. The protest, although smaller than earlier demonstrations, heightened political tensions and raised concerns about potential violence as the nation prepares for the rerun election. The crowd ultimately dispersed following police action involving tear gas.

In summary, Calin Georgescu’s exclusion from Romania’s presidential race reflects the government’s stance against extremist ideologies and the implications of criminal investigations on political candidacies. The response from his supporters indicates ongoing political unrest, highlighting the sensitive nature of national elections and foreign relations in Romania, especially amidst its NATO commitments.

Original Source: www.nytimes.com