Overview

• Călin Georgescu, a pro-Russian and far-right former Romanian presidential candidate, was detained by police in Bucharest while traveling by car.
• Authorities are investigating allegations of illegal financing during Georgescu's 2024 presidential campaign, which led to the annulment of the election's first round by Romania's Constitutional Court.
• Romanian intelligence agencies previously raised concerns about potential Russian interference in Georgescu's campaign activities.
• The General Prosecutor’s Office conducted nationwide searches targeting Georgescu's supporters, focusing on campaign funding and alleged illegal right-wing propaganda.
• Georgescu intends to run again in the rescheduled May 4 election, but his candidacy remains subject to Constitutional Court approval by the March 15 deadline.