Romania Banned Pro-Russian Candidate from Elections, Protests in Bucharest
The Central Electoral Bureau of Romania has banned Călin Georgescu from running in the repeat presidential elections, sparking mass protests.
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On Sunday, Romania's Central Electoral Bureau banned Călin Georgescu, a pro-Russian far-right candidate, from participating in the repeat presidential elections scheduled for May, Politico reports.
According to the bureau, Georgescu violated electoral rules after unexpectedly winning the first round of voting in November last year.
The Constitutional Court annulled his victory, citing campaign finance violations and illegal use of digital technologies. Experts believe the results were falsified with Russian support.
According to media reports, 10 out of 14 bureau members voted against Georgescu’s candidacy. The politician can appeal the decision within 24 hours, while the final ruling by the Constitutional Court is expected by Wednesday.
The ban has triggered mass protests in central Bucharest. Hundreds of Georgescu’s supporters clashed with police, throwing stones and firecrackers at security forces. The police responded with tear gas.
Elena Lasconi, leader of the “Save Romania Union” party, urged the authorities to clarify the reasons for the ban to prevent further public unrest.
Meanwhile, prominent right-wing politicians, including Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, have called the ban an “attack on democracy.”
Earlier, it was reported that 18 people were arrested in Romania in connection with an attempted coup. Prosecutors are seeking the arrest of 21 suspects, including relatives of businessman Horațiu Potră, who are currently abroad.
It was also revealed that Romanian President Klaus Iohannis announced his resignation to prevent a political crisis, as parliament moved to remove him from office.