Romanian prosecutors have launched a criminal investigation against Calin Georgescu, a far-right populist who led the first round of a canceled presidential election last year. The allegations include campaign funding abuses, supporting fascist groups, and other offenses.
The Constitutional Court cancelled the election two days ahead of the Dec. 8 runoff after Georgescu’s surprise first-round win, despite him polling in single digits with zero declared spending. Allegations of Russian interference emerged quickly.
Prosecutors accuse Georgescu of “inciting actions against the constitutional order” and spreading false information regarding electoral campaign financing and asset disclosures. He is also accused of founding or supporting fascist organizations and promoting extremist ideologies.
Georgescu has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, calling authorities to invent evidence to block his candidacy for the presidency. Despite this, hundreds of supporters gathered outside the prosecutor’s office, waving Romania’s flag and chanting “Free Georgescu!” and “President Georgescu!”
Romania’s Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu said the judiciary is independent, emphasizing the need for a fair application of the law regardless of personal interests.
A rerun of the presidential election is scheduled for May 4. The outcome remains uncertain, with protests supporting or opposing Georgescu having taken place in recent days.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/romania-calin-georgescu-528f1875e728f8a789f6622d224303a5