EU Declines to Comment on Romania's Prohibition of Georgescu from Election, According to Reports
The European Commission has reportedly stated that Brussels refrains from intervening in the electoral processes of its member states. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
The European Union has opted not to comment on Romania’s decision to exclude independent candidate Calin Georgescu from the upcoming rerun of the presidential election, according to various media reports. Georgescu’s initial victory was annulled due to accusations of campaign irregularities and alleged connections to Moscow.
In the first round of voting in November, Georgescu, a vocal opponent of the EU and NATO and against supporting Ukraine, received 23% of the votes. However, the Romanian Constitutional Court promptly invalidated the results. Recently, the Central Electoral Bureau determined that he would not be permitted to participate in the reelection scheduled for May.
On Monday, the European Commission made it clear that Brussels “does not comment” on the electoral processes of its member states, as reported by multiple media sources. When questioned during a press briefing about whether the EU body has confidence in the Romanian electoral commission’s decision, spokesman Markus Lammert stated that Brussels “does not interfere in any way in national elections,” emphasizing that these are the responsibilities of national authorities and the populace.
The annulment of the first-round voting occurred amid allegations of electoral misconduct and reports that Russia had orchestrated a coordinated online campaign to support Georgescu.
An investigation conducted earlier this year suggested that the alleged campaign irregularities were linked to the activities of a consulting firm tied to the pro-Western National Liberal Party. This firm sought to undermine a different candidate, inadvertently enhancing Georgescu’s visibility instead.
Russia has dismissed any claims of involvement in Romania's electoral affairs, with Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakhharova labeling such speculations as unfounded, asserting, “Russia has no habit of meddling in the affairs of others.”
In late February, Georgescu faced indictment for allegedly inciting actions against the constitutional order and promoting a fascist, racist, or xenophobic ideology. He has denied all accusations, claiming they are driven by political motives.
Frederick R Cook contributed to this report for TROIB News
In the first round of voting in November, Georgescu, a vocal opponent of the EU and NATO and against supporting Ukraine, received 23% of the votes. However, the Romanian Constitutional Court promptly invalidated the results. Recently, the Central Electoral Bureau determined that he would not be permitted to participate in the reelection scheduled for May.
On Monday, the European Commission made it clear that Brussels “does not comment” on the electoral processes of its member states, as reported by multiple media sources. When questioned during a press briefing about whether the EU body has confidence in the Romanian electoral commission’s decision, spokesman Markus Lammert stated that Brussels “does not interfere in any way in national elections,” emphasizing that these are the responsibilities of national authorities and the populace.
The annulment of the first-round voting occurred amid allegations of electoral misconduct and reports that Russia had orchestrated a coordinated online campaign to support Georgescu.
An investigation conducted earlier this year suggested that the alleged campaign irregularities were linked to the activities of a consulting firm tied to the pro-Western National Liberal Party. This firm sought to undermine a different candidate, inadvertently enhancing Georgescu’s visibility instead.
Russia has dismissed any claims of involvement in Romania's electoral affairs, with Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakhharova labeling such speculations as unfounded, asserting, “Russia has no habit of meddling in the affairs of others.”
In late February, Georgescu faced indictment for allegedly inciting actions against the constitutional order and promoting a fascist, racist, or xenophobic ideology. He has denied all accusations, claiming they are driven by political motives.
Frederick R Cook contributed to this report for TROIB News
