Clashes erupted in Bucharest, Romania, on Sunday evening as right-wing supporters of Calin Georgescu, a populist political figure, reacted to the electoral body’s decision to discard his participation in the upcoming presidential election rerun. Georgescu initially won the first round last year, but it was later annulled by a top court ruling.
The 62-year-old politician submitted his candidacy last Friday in Bucharest, giving the Central Election Bureau, also known as BEC in Romania, a 48-hour window to make a decision on his eligibility.
The BEC cited a Constitutional Court ruling from last year, which nullified the earlier election due to Georgescu’s non-compliance with electoral laws. “It would be unacceptable for the restarted election process to consider the same individual as eligible for the presidency,” BEC declared. His supporters, incensed by the decision, can appeal to the Constitutional Court within 24 hours.
Hundreds gathered in protest outside the BEC headquarters, venting their frustration by waving flags and chanting threats of revolt. Tensions escalated as protesters hurled stones at riot police, vandalized a news vehicle, and set fire to a bush.
Georgescu responded to the decision by condemning it as “a direct blow to the heart of democracy worldwide!” In a social media post, he warned, “If democracy in Romania falls, the entire democratic world will fall!” He has accused Europe of descending into dictatorship, with Romania particularly oppressed.
BEC’s decision follows the previous annulment of the first election round, just two days before a planned December runoff. This was due to allegations that Russia had led an orchestrated online promotion campaign for Georgescu, a candidate running independently. The court’s unprecedented ruling has thrown the EU and NATO member nation into a significant political quagmire.
Recently, prosecutors opened a criminal investigation against Georgescu, charging him with advocating actions against Romania’s constitutional order, associating with fascist groups, and falsifying campaign funding and asset declarations. Though under judicial surveillance, Georgescu has consistently denied any misconduct.
Before the initial election on November 24, Georgescu revealed no campaign expenditures and consistently polled with low numbers. Allegations of electoral malpractice and interference by Russia quickly surfaced, despite Moscow’s vehement denial of any involvement. Though Georgescu has expressed admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin and skepticism about Ukraine’s sovereignty, he insists he is not pro-Russia.
The rescheduled first round is set for May 4, with a potential runoff on May 18 if no candidate secures over 50% of votes. Candidates have until midnight on March 15 to submit their applications.
George Simion, the leader of the far-right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians and Georgescu’s supporter, condemned the BEC’s action as “a new abuse and continuation of a coup.” He criticized Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu and the current regime.
Since the election was annulled, Georgescu has become a prominent figure among right-wing circles, gaining the support of notable figures like U.S. Vice President JD Vance and entrepreneur Elon Musk, both of whom have strongly opposed Romania’s annulment decision. Musk commented on the BEC ruling with incredulity, stating, “This is crazy!”
Meanwhile, incumbent Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan filed his candidacy as an independent on Friday, rallying under the campaign “Honest Romania,” and the BEC confirmed his registration on Sunday. Additionally, Crin Antonescu, backed by Romania’s governing coalition, including the Social Democratic Party, the National Liberal Party, and the ethnic Hungarian UDMR party, also entered the presidential race on Sunday.
