Tens of Thousands Protest in Romania Over Annulled Presidential Election
Demonstrators demand the resumption of elections after the Constitutional Court voided the race, citing allegations of Russian interference and electoral violations.
- Romania's Constitutional Court annulled the presidential election just days before the December 8 runoff, citing evidence of Russian-backed social media interference favoring far-right candidate Calin Georgescu.
- Tens of thousands of protesters gathered in Bucharest, calling for the elections to resume from the second round and accusing authorities of undermining democracy.
- The annulment came after Georgescu, an independent candidate critical of NATO, unexpectedly won the first round on November 24, raising concerns about the legitimacy of his campaign tactics.
- The court has ordered a complete re-run of the election, with the first round scheduled for May 4 and a potential runoff on May 18, though Georgescu's eligibility remains uncertain.
- Outgoing President Klaus Iohannis, whose term expired on December 21, will remain in office until a new president is elected, prolonging political uncertainty in the EU and NATO member state.
Associated Press 
Deutsche Welle 
