In Bucharest, Romania, the far-right populist Calin Georgescu filed an appeal with the Constitutional Court on Monday following the electoral authority’s decision to bar him from participating in a reelection for the presidency. Georgescu previously claimed victory in the initial round of last year’s electoral race, which was annulled by the same court.
On Sunday, a day after the Central Election Bureau disqualified his candidacy, Georgescu formally challenged the decision, according to court officials. The court scheduled a hearing for Tuesday and is required to issue a judgment by Wednesday, within 48 hours of the appeal’s submission.
George Simion, a prominent political ally of Georgescu and head of the far-right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians, criticized the electoral body’s decision, labeling it a “coup d’état.” Simion argued that “the bureau does not have the authority to reject a candidate when all document, signature, and form requirements have been met.” He stated his determination to support Georgescu’s candidacy, despite expressing low expectations for the appeal.
The electoral bureau referenced its decision on Georgescu’s disqualification due to the Constitutional Court’s previous ruling, which canceled last year’s election over alleged electoral misconduct and accusations of a Russian-led online campaign supporting Georgescu, who ran as an independent. Officials annulled the results just two days prior to the December 8 runoff. The bureau remarked that it would be “unacceptable for the restarted election process to consider the same individual eligible for the presidency.”
In response on Sunday, Georgescu criticized the decision as “a direct blow to the heart of democracy worldwide,” and denounced Europe and Romania as oppressive regimes. His supporters took to the streets on Sunday night in Bucharest, outraged by Georgescu’s dismissal, brandishing Romanian flags and shouting slogans such as “Thieves!” and “The last resort is another revolution!” The protests turned chaotic, with some demonstrators hurling stones at riot police, overturning a news vehicle, and setting fire to a bush.
Georgescu later urged his followers in a Facebook video to refrain from violent acts. “We must not resort to violence or any other actions like those of last night,” he pleaded.
The court’s unprecedented ruling last year has thrown the European Union and NATO-member state into an extended political crisis. Further complicating his situation, prosecutors initiated a criminal investigation into Georgescu last month, charging him with “incitement to actions against the constitutional order,” backing fascist organizations, and making false declarations concerning electoral campaign finances and asset disclosures.
Despite being under judicial control, Georgescu, who has consistently proclaimed his innocence, had only marginal popularity, polling in the single digits before the November 24 election, and disclosed no campaign spending. Allegations soon surfaced as to election irregularities and alleged Russian involvement, which Moscow denies.
Georgescu has been a vocal supporter of Russian President Vladimir Putin and has questioned Ukraine’s sovereignty in the past; however, he refutes claims of being pro-Russia.
A rerun of the election is set for May 4. If no contender garners more than half of the votes, a runoff is planned for May 18. The deadline for submitting presidential candidacy applications is set for March 15 at midnight.
