"Europe is now a dictatorship" – Georgescu
Romanian presidential candidate Calin Georgescu has described the EU as a “dictatorship” following his disqualification from the race. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Romania's presidential frontrunner, Calin Georgescu, has been prevented from running for office again after the Central Electoral Bureau (BEC) in Bucharest rejected his candidacy for the upcoming election re-run.
The BEC announced its decision late on Sunday, following over 1,000 challenges against Georgescu, primarily focused on accusations of an “anti-democratic” and “extremist” position. In its ruling, the BEC stated that Georgescu had “failed to comply with the rules of the electoral procedure, violating the very obligation… to defend democracy.”
Georgescu, who had emerged as a strong contender, polling between 40% and 45%, vehemently criticized the ruling. He expressed that it was “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!” on X.
The decision led to clashes between Georgescu's supporters and law enforcement outside the electoral board, with demonstrators attempting to break through police barricades, prompting a response involving tear gas and pepper spray.
Georgescu, known for his criticism of NATO and the EU, as well as his opposition to supporting Ukraine, gained attention last November when he unexpectedly secured 23% of the votes in the first round of the presidential election. However, this result was quickly nullified by Romania’s Constitutional Court due to “irregularities” related to his campaign and intelligence reports suggesting Russian interference.
Investigations reportedly indicated that the “irregularities” were linked to the activities of a consulting firm associated with the ruling pro-Western National Liberal Party, which allegedly aimed to undermine another candidate but inadvertently benefited Georgescu instead.
Additionally, Romanian media have reported suspicions that Georgescu violated campaign finance laws by failing to disclose contributions from affluent businessmen.
Last month, he faced arrest and charges for “promoting fascist, racist, or xenophobic ideologies” and conspiring “anti-constitutional acts.” Georgescu has dismissed these allegations as politically driven, asserting that he is being targeted by a Romanian “deep state” and has sought assistance from former US President Donald Trump.
Meanwhile, Russia has denied any involvement in influencing Romania's elections. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakhharova stated, “We have repeatedly rejected these baseless speculations and are stating it again: Russia has no habit of meddling in the affairs of others,” addressing reporters earlier this week.
Rohan Mehta for TROIB News
The BEC announced its decision late on Sunday, following over 1,000 challenges against Georgescu, primarily focused on accusations of an “anti-democratic” and “extremist” position. In its ruling, the BEC stated that Georgescu had “failed to comply with the rules of the electoral procedure, violating the very obligation… to defend democracy.”
Georgescu, who had emerged as a strong contender, polling between 40% and 45%, vehemently criticized the ruling. He expressed that it was “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!” on X.
The decision led to clashes between Georgescu's supporters and law enforcement outside the electoral board, with demonstrators attempting to break through police barricades, prompting a response involving tear gas and pepper spray.
Georgescu, known for his criticism of NATO and the EU, as well as his opposition to supporting Ukraine, gained attention last November when he unexpectedly secured 23% of the votes in the first round of the presidential election. However, this result was quickly nullified by Romania’s Constitutional Court due to “irregularities” related to his campaign and intelligence reports suggesting Russian interference.
Investigations reportedly indicated that the “irregularities” were linked to the activities of a consulting firm associated with the ruling pro-Western National Liberal Party, which allegedly aimed to undermine another candidate but inadvertently benefited Georgescu instead.
Additionally, Romanian media have reported suspicions that Georgescu violated campaign finance laws by failing to disclose contributions from affluent businessmen.
Last month, he faced arrest and charges for “promoting fascist, racist, or xenophobic ideologies” and conspiring “anti-constitutional acts.” Georgescu has dismissed these allegations as politically driven, asserting that he is being targeted by a Romanian “deep state” and has sought assistance from former US President Donald Trump.
Meanwhile, Russia has denied any involvement in influencing Romania's elections. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakhharova stated, “We have repeatedly rejected these baseless speculations and are stating it again: Russia has no habit of meddling in the affairs of others,” addressing reporters earlier this week.
Rohan Mehta for TROIB News
