Far-right, pro-Russian presidential candidate Calin Georgescu staged a protest outside a closed polling station in Bucharest after Romania’s Constitutional Court annulled the second round of voting.
More than 100 supporters gathered on December 8—the date originally set for the runoff—chanting “We want to vote” and “Down with the dictatorship.” Georgescu accused authorities of trying to block his win. “I’m here in the name of democracy and always will be,” he told reporters.
Georgescu, an independent candidate, led the first round on November 24, ahead of reformist Elena Lasconi. But just days before the runoff, the court cancelled the election, citing illegal use of AI and undeclared funding.
Russian interference claims
The ruling came after President Klaus Iohannis released intelligence linking Georgescu’s campaign to Russian-backed social media accounts. Platforms like TikTok and Telegram were allegedly used to promote his candidacy, sparking protests in favour of Romania’s ties with NATO and the EU.
The court said one of the 13 candidates in the first round had benefited from “preferential treatment,” distorting the results. Georgescu dismissed the claims as an “official coup.”
What’s next?
Iohannis will remain in office until a new vote is scheduled. Meanwhile, Georgescu has urged voters to continue gathering at polling stations, insisting that “democracy must win.”
