- Romania’s electoral body bars far-right candidate Calin Georgescu from running in the presidential election rerun.
- Violent clashes erupt in Bucharest as police use tear gas against Georgescu’s supporters.
- U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Elon Musk criticise Romania over the election ban.
Romania’s Central Electoral Bureau (BEC) has disqualified far-right populist Calin Georgescu from running in May’s presidential election rerun, triggering violent clashes between his supporters and police in Bucharest.
Georgescu, who won the annulled first round of last year’s election, was barred on Sunday after authorities cited his failure to meet “legal conditions” and accused him of violating his obligation to “defend democracy.” The ruling follows intelligence reports that Russia had backed him through 800 TikTok accounts.
The 62-year-old called the decision a “direct blow to democracy” and has 24 hours to appeal to the country’s top court, which is expected to issue a ruling within 72 hours.
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Shortly after the announcement, thousands of Georgescu’s supporters gathered outside the BEC headquarters, where tensions escalated into violent clashes with police. Officers fired tear gas as protesters overturned cars and smashed windows of nearby businesses. At least four people were detained, while riot police reinforced security and attempted to disperse the crowds.
Though many demonstrators left the scene, hundreds remained and continued to clash with authorities.
Georgescu’s barring from the election follows his February 26 arrest while attempting to register for the summer vote. He was charged with attempting to overthrow the constitutional order and being a member of a neo-fascist organisation—allegations he denies. His arrest sparked mass protests, with tens of thousands marching in Bucharest.
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Despite his lack of political background, Georgescu surged to victory in last year’s first round by appealing to nationalist sentiment, vowing to “restore Romania’s dignity” and reduce the country’s ties to NATO and the EU. Before the election was annulled, he told the BBC he would cut all support for Ukraine if elected.
Georgescu’s case has drawn international attention, with U.S. Vice President JD Vance criticising Romania for annulling the election based on what he called “flimsy suspicions” from intelligence agencies. The Romanian government has also accused Elon Musk of “interfering” in the country’s election after the billionaire posted messages supporting Georgescu.
