Georgescu, a NATO critic, banned from elections: Pro-Russian supporters take to the streets in Romania

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In Romania, independent candidate Calin Georgescu, who is critical of the West and NATO, was not allowed to run for president. Following the decision of the election commission, Georgescu’s supporters took to the streets. Clashes broke out between the demonstrators and the police.
The Central Election Commission in Romania announced that the applications of four independent candidates for the presidential election, to be held on May 4th this year, have been reviewed.
After the decision, Georgescu’s supporters poured out into the streets. Conflict erupted between the protesters and the police. A statement reported that Georgescu, who topped the first round of the election that was canceled last year and is known for his anti-Western and anti-NATO stance, had his candidacy rejected. The statement also mentioned that the same decision was made for two other independent candidates.
While one independent candidate’s application was accepted, it was stated that a detailed explanation would be provided later. Following the rejection, numerous supporters of Georgescu gathered in front of the Central Election Commission building.
According to videos shared on social media, there was a commotion between the gathered crowd and the police guarding the building.
It was observed that the crowd tried to breach the security corridor. In the first round of the presidential election held on November 24, 2024, in Romania, independent candidate Georgescu, critical of the West and NATO, won with 22.95% of the votes. Elena Lasconi from the center-right Save Romania Union Party came in second with 19.17% of the votes, moving on to the second round.
Following appeals, the Romanian Constitutional Court annulled the first round of the presidential election. Georgescu appealed the annulment decision, and first the Bucharest Court of Appeal, then the Romanian High Court ruled that the cancellation of the presidential election was valid.
Voters will head to the polls on May 4th for the first round and on May 18th for the second round to choose the new president.