Romania’s election authority has ruled that Cǎlin Georgescu will not be allowed to run in the country’s presidential election re-run in May. The decision, announced Sunday evening, has been condemned by party leaders, who argue it is an attack on democracy.
Georgescu’s supporters gathered outside the election bureau in protest, shouting “Freedom” and attempting to push through a security cordon, reports the Guardian. His candidacy was submitted on Friday amid speculation that he would be barred from the race.
The country’s highest court had previously annulled the election just two days before the December runoff, citing claims of Russian interference in Georgescu’s favor—an allegation that Moscow and Georgescu have denied.
Following the ruling, Georgescu denounced the decision on social media. “A direct blow to the heart of democracy worldwide! I have one message left! If democracy in Romania falls, the entire democratic world will fall! This is just the beginning. It’s that simple! Europe is now a dictatorship, Romania is under tyranny!” he wrote.
The move has also drawn criticism from members of US President Donald Trump’s administration, who accused European governments of suppressing political opponents. Tech billionaire and Trump adviser Elon Musk called the decision “crazy” on his platform X.
This is a breaking news story. Refresh for updates.
