The disqualification of Russian parent candidate Karin Georgek from running in the May presidential election by Romania’s central election authorities has spurred protests.
In a detailed decision released late Sunday, election officials cited the court’s previous ruling as the basis for its decision, saying Georgek was unable to comply with voting regulations.
The decision threatens to strengthen the constitutional crisis of NATO and European Union members, and to contribute to increasingly unstable relations between Europe and the United States.
“It is unacceptable to assert that when an election is rerun, the same individual meets the requirements for assuming a presidency,” the authorities said.
The decision to be disqualified has prompted anxiety in the capital Bucharest. Hundreds of Georgek supporters gathered outside the Election Bureau on Sunday night to chant “Thieves!” And “Traitor!”
The collision erupted as protesters threw rocks, capsized the vehicle and burned the trash can. Riot police used tear gas to disperse the crowd.
The disqualification came after the Romanian constitutional court negated the presidential election in December, citing allegations of Russian interference in Georgek’s favor.
The cancelled vote placed Romania at the heart of a rift intensifying rift between President Donald Trump and the European leadership administration over the meaning and protection of democratic values.
Trump administration figures surround the abolition of courts in December’s election as evidence that European governments are restraining political opposition. European diplomats have expressed support for the independence of Romanian judicial independence.
Georgescu posted in English to X, “It is taking a direct blow to the centre of democracy around the world. Europe is currently a dictatorship, and Romania is under tyranny!”
Sunday’s ruling was passed with a margin of 10 to 4, with the election officials consisting of Supreme Court judges and political party representatives.
However, the decision is not final and could be contested in the Constitutional Court.
The controversy surrounding Kalin Georgek exceeds elections. He is currently undergoing criminal investigations on several charges, including providing misinformation about joining fascist organisations and campaign funding.
