Romania Bars Far-Right Candidate from Election

Romania’s central election authority recently barred far-right pro-Russian candidate Calin Georgescu from participating in the May presidential election re-run, following the cancellation of the initial election due to allegations of Russian interference in his favor. This cancellation highlights a significant constitutional crisis within Romania, a member of both the European Union and NATO. On December 6, the Constitutional Court invalidated the election results, stating that Georgescu had not adhered to ballot regulations, with the election authority concluding by a vote of 10 to 4 that he did not meet the necessary conditions to run again.

Georgescu previously emerged as a surprise frontrunner in the last election, prompting criticism from U.S. officials, including members of Donald Trump’s administration, who viewed the cancellation as a suppression of political opposition. The decision has drawn mixed reactions, with tech billionaire Elon Musk labeling it “crazy,” while European diplomats from nations such as Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Spain asserted their support for the independence of Romanian courts.

In the backdrop of the political turmoil, protests erupted, with hundreds of Georgescu supporters confronting law enforcement, resulting in clashes that involved rock-throwing and setting fires. Amidst this chaos, Georgescu’s candidacy was submitted just days prior to the election authority’s conclusion. He risks further legal complications, as he is under investigation for multiple counts, including membership in a fascist organization and potential misinformation about campaign financing, despite his claims of maintaining a zero-budget campaign through social media efforts.

Political experts anticipate that Georgescu will challenge the election authority’s decision at the Constitutional Court, although it is expected that he will face rejection.

Source: CNBC