The Romanian Election Commission on Sunday banned far-right politician Karin Georgek from running for the upcoming presidential election.
The Election Bureau said in a statement it adopted Georgek’s “refusal to register an independent candidate” without providing details justifying the move.
Georgescu denounced the move in a post on social media platform X, calling it a “direct blow to the heart of democracy around the world.”
“Europe is a dictatorship, and Romania is under tyranny!” he added. He is expected to appeal the decision.
Supporters of far-right candidates become violent in Bucharest
Hundreds of angry Georges Supporters took them to the streets of the capital as they tried to forcefully enter the Election Commission building, Bucharest said.
Police responded with tear gas after protesters broke the barricade on Sunday. They then began to throw stones and place furniture from the adjacent cafe on the fire.
Romanian media also reported that vans belonging to television stations believed to support Georgek’s rivals have been overturned.
Romanian pro-TV broadcasters reported that seven people were arrested and 13 police officers were injured in violence.
“Four of these (the injured officers) are still in the hospital and need further treatment,” a police spokesperson said, according to the TV station.
Why was Georgek’s election invalid?
The far-right politician unexpectedly won the first round of the presidential election last November, but the vote was nullified by the Romanian Constitutional Court just before the second round took place.
The court cited allegations of Russian interference in Georgek’s favor, both he and Moscow denied.
Before nullifying his candidacy, Georgek led the polls with about 40% of the vote.
However, he is currently facing countless legal issues. In addition to being accused of having close ties with Russia, he has faced numerous accusations, including making “false statements” about funding the campaign.
He is also accused of “inciting, attempted forms of action against constitutional order” and “starting or constructing, participating or supporting fascist, racist or xenophobic organizations in any form.”
Georgescu’s “Ultra Pro” playing cards stance
Georgescu campaigned against sending aid to Ukraine, and also presented himself as “Ultra Pro” US President Donald Trump.
Senior members of the Trump administration are publicly supporting Georgek.
“This is crazy!” Trump adviser Elon Musk said in X in response to the election commission’s decision.
US Vice President JD Vance criticized the Constitutional Court for its decision to invalidate the presidential vote, accusing the Romanian government of “cancelling the election because they don’t like the outcome” and “I’m very afraid of your own people who will shut them up.”
Editor: Natalie Muller Saim Dushan Inayatura
