Romania’s central election authority has blocked far-right candidate Călin Georgescu from participating in the upcoming presidential election re-run, citing concerns over alleged Russian interference.
The decision, announced Sunday evening, prevents the pro-Russia frontrunner from contesting May’s presidential ballot, which was ordered after Romania’s highest court annulled December’s original election just days before the second round of voting.
Electoral officials made the determination based on claims of Russian meddling in Georgescu’s campaign—allegations Moscow has firmly denied. The candidate now has 24 hours to challenge the ruling at Romania’s constitutional court, with a final decision expected within 48 hours.
“The rejection of his candidacy can be challenged at the constitutional court,” electoral authorities confirmed in their statement, indicating a definitive verdict will emerge this week.
The development sparked immediate protests, with Georgescu supporters gathering outside the election bureau shouting “Freedom” and briefly attempting to breach security cordons.
The original December ballot was invalidated by Romania’s highest court specifically due to concerns about foreign interference in the electoral process.
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