The Constitutional Court unanimously upheld the decision to reject the candidacy of far-right politician Calin Georgescu, accused of being pro-Russian in Romania, for the presidential elections to be held in May. The decision sparked a new wave of protests by Georgescu's supporters in the capital Bucharest.
Protesters who began gathering in front of the court before the Constitutional Court's decision was announced this evening chanted slogans such as "Traitors", "We are not going anywhere from here", "President Calin Georgescu" and "End the dictatorship".
Security measures were increased due to the protests and security forces formed a cordon around the courthouse. The demonstration grew as hundreds more people joined the crowd in front of the court after the decision was announced.
"It is in your hands to choose what you want for the future"
Georgescu said in a statement to his supporters on social media following the decision, "It is in your hands to choose what you want for the future and I hope you will do it with all your conscience from now on. It was an honor for me to serve you with my whole being."
"The Constitutional Court has once again mocked the Romanian people by attacking democracy and our fundamental rights and freedoms"
George Simion, the leader of the far-right opposition party Romanians' Unity Alliance (AUR), made a statement regarding the decision, saying, "What a shame. The Constitutional Court has once again mocked the Romanian people by attacking democracy and our fundamental rights and freedoms. We stand by Calin Georgescu.
" "I hope the Constitutional Court's decision is just a first step"
Elena Lasconi, the leader of the pro-EU Save the Romanian Unity (USR) party, supported the decision. Lasconi said, "I hope the Constitutional Court's decision is just a first step. Calin Georgescu must be held accountable and tried for all the brutal acts he has been accused of in recent months. The institutions that have been brought to their knees by the wave of disinformation he has created must be restructured and regain their credibility."
The election in which Georgescu came in first was annulled
In Romania, the people went to the polls on November 24, 2024 for the presidential election, and Calin Georgescu, who was accused of being pro-Russia, unexpectedly came in first with approximately 23 percent of the vote. On the other hand, the results of the election were annulled by the Constitutional Court following reports by Romanian intelligence that Russia had influenced voters with a propaganda campaign.
Georgescu's application to run again in the upcoming elections was blocked by the decision announced yesterday by the Romanian Central Election Committee. The Romanian Central Election Committee announced that Georgescu's candidacy was rejected on the grounds that his past actions and statements were against the values required by the office of president. Describing the decision as a blow to democracy, Georgescu appealed the decision and appealed to the Constitutional Court yesterday.
The presidential elections in Romania will be held on May 4, and if necessary, the second round of the election will be held on May 18.
