Calin Georgescu to Appeal Bar Against Presidential Election Candidacy in Romania
Calin Georgescu, barred from Romania’s presidential election rerun, will appeal to the Constitutional Court after the Central Election Bureau rejected his candidacy. His ally criticized the rejection as unjust. Supporters protested against the decision, leading to tensions, while Georgescu faces a criminal investigation for alleged electoral violations. The presidential election is scheduled for May 4, with a runoff on May 18 if needed.
Calin Georgescu, a far-right populist in Romania, has been barred from competing in the country’s presidential election rerun. Following his disqualification by the Central Election Bureau, he intends to appeal the decision to Romania’s Constitutional Court in Bucharest. His political ally, George Simion, emphasized that Georgescu fulfilled all candidacy requirements, denouncing the bureau’s action as a “coup d’état.”
Georgescu previously won the first round of the last election but saw it annulled by a court due to electoral violations and allegations of Russian interference in his campaign. On Sunday, supporters rallied in Bucharest, expressing discontent with the decision while Georgescu condemned it as detrimental to democracy, declaring, “Europe is now a dictatorship, Romania is under tyranny!”
A video posted by Georgescu urged his supporters to abstain from violence in light of protests that turned chaotic, leading to clashes with riot police. The backdrop of this political scenario includes a criminal investigation against Georgescu for alleged incitement against the constitutional order, alongside accusations regarding his electoral funding.
The rerun of the presidential election is slated for May 4; should no candidate secure over 50% of the votes, a runoff will take place on May 18. The deadline for candidacy applications is set for March 15 at midnight.
Calin Georgescu’s political future hangs in the balance as he appeals his disqualification from Romania’s presidential election. The case underscores ongoing tensions surrounding electoral integrity and geopolitical influences. With the upcoming election dates, the unfolding events may further impact Romania’s political landscape and public sentiment.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
