Calin Georgescu, a far-right populist in Romania, has been officially barred from running in the upcoming presidential election. The Constitutional Court made this decision after a two-hour deliberation on Tuesday. This ruling comes after the Central Electoral Bureau had previously rejected his candidacy for the May election, stating that he did not meet legal requirements and had failed to uphold democratic principles.
Georgescu had previously gained attention by winning the first round of last year’s presidential vote. However, that victory was annulled when it was revealed that nearly 800 TikTok accounts promoting him were linked to Russian interference. The election bureau cited this as a significant violation, leading to the rejection of his candidacy.
Outside the court in Bucharest, a large crowd gathered, expressing their anger and disappointment. Many protesters waved Romanian flags and displayed religious icons, chanting slogans in support of Georgescu. They accused the judges of betrayal and insisted they were there to defend democracy. Some held signs with messages like "Stop dictatorship," reflecting their belief that Georgescu represents the voice of the people against a corrupt political elite.
Despite the ruling, the atmosphere outside the court remained charged, with protesters demanding their right to vote for Georgescu. George Simion, a prominent ally of Georgescu and leader of the far-right Alliance for Uniting Romanians, voiced his support on social media, claiming that the people of Romania would not be defeated.
The court’s decision has sparked fears among many Romanians about the influence of foreign powers, particularly Russia, in their politics. Georgescu, who has expressed admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin and criticized NATO, is viewed by some as a potential threat to Romania’s democratic values.
As tensions rise, the situation remains fluid, with many in the crowd uncertain about their next steps. They await further instructions from Georgescu, hoping for a rallying call to continue their fight for his candidacy.