Particle.news
Download on the App Store
6 ARTICLES
·
last mo.

Romania's Presidential Race Reshaped as Ban on Far-Right Candidate Stands

Former Prime Minister Victor Ponta enters the contest after Călin Georgescu is barred, leaving far-right parties scrambling for a new candidate.

Victor Ponta, former Romanian prime minister, wearing a hat reading "Romania first", leaves after submitting his candidacy for presidential elections, in Bucharest, Romania, March 12, 2025. REUTERS/Andreea Campeanu
Victor Ponta, former Romanian prime minister, talks to media after submitting his candidacy for presidential elections, in Bucharest, Romania, March 12, 2025. REUTERS/Andreea Campeanu
Romania's presidential candidate Calin Georgescu addresses the media after voting in the parliamentary elections at a polling station in Mogosoaia, near Bucharest, on December 1, 2024. Still reeling from this week's shock developments, Romanians returned to the polls on December 1 to elect their parliament, with the far right tipped to win, potentially heralding a shift in the NATO country's foreign policy. (Photo by Mihai Barbu / AFP) (Photo by MIHAI BARBU/AFP via Getty Images)
Victor Ponta, former Romanian prime minister, looks on as he talks to media after submitting his candidacy for presidential elections, in Bucharest, Romania, March 12, 2025. REUTERS/Andreea Campeanu

Overview

  • Romania's Constitutional Court upheld a ban on far-right candidate Călin Georgescu, citing campaign finance violations and alleged Russian backing, which he denies.
  • The initial presidential election results from December were annulled due to accusations of Russian interference, leading to a rerun scheduled for May 4 and 18.
  • Victor Ponta, a former prime minister and ex-Social Democrat leader, has officially entered the race, positioning himself as a potential alternative for voters from both political wings.
  • Far-right parties are under pressure to find a replacement candidate before the March 15 deadline, with Georgescu's endorsement expected to heavily influence voter decisions.
  • The presidency holds critical powers in Romania, including decisions on military aid and EU unanimity votes, making the election pivotal for the country’s role in European and NATO matters.