Romanian Electoral Commission Rejects Far-Right Candidate Călin Georgescu's Presidential Bid

The decision has sparked protests in Bucharest, with allegations of Russian interference and legal challenges looming.

Călin Georgescu, a far-right and pro-Russian candidate, has been barred from running in Romania's May presidential election by the Electoral Commission, which provided no detailed explanation.
Georgescu, who leads in polls with 40% support, has condemned the decision as an attack on democracy and plans to appeal to the Constitutional Court.
Protests erupted in Bucharest, with hundreds of Georgescu's supporters clashing with police, leading to the use of tear gas to disperse the crowd.
The rejection follows allegations of Russian interference in the annulled November 2024 election, as well as recent charges against Georgescu for campaign finance violations and incitement to unconstitutional actions.
Georgescu's candidacy has drawn international attention, with criticism from U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and public support from Elon Musk.