Romanian far-right candidate detained indicted ahead of election

Far-right populist Calin Georgescu, who made a stunning rise in last year’s presidential election, has been detained by police and is now facing multiple criminal charges. His arrest comes as Romania prepares for new elections in May, following the annulment of last December’s second-round presidential run-off.

Georgescu was intercepted by authorities while driving through the capital, Bucharest, on his way to register as a candidate. Prosecutors later confirmed that he is under investigation for multiple charges, including attempted incitement to actions against the constitutional order. Additionally, he is being accused of providing false information, making false statements, and establishing an organization with fascist, racist, or xenophobic characteristics. He is also being investigated for forming an antisemitic organization, which could significantly impact his eligibility for the upcoming election.

The severity of the charges has sparked unrest among Georgescu’s supporters. Two right-wing populist parties urged their members to protest outside the prosecutor’s office, where he was taken for questioning. Police erected barriers as hundreds of demonstrators gathered, voicing their anger over what they perceive as political persecution.

Following his interrogation, Georgescu was placed under judicial control, restricting him from leaving Romania. Addressing his supporters outside the prosecutor’s office, he vowed to continue his campaign and compared the current political climate to the communist regime that collapsed in 1989.

The controversy surrounding Georgescu’s candidacy began last year when the original presidential election was abruptly halted before the final round. Then-President Klaus Iohannis declassified intelligence documents revealing that hundreds of social media accounts had been activated in support of Georgescu, allegedly as part of a Russian interference campaign. Romania’s foreign intelligence service later claimed that Russia had orchestrated these online efforts, in addition to launching cyber-attacks and acts of sabotage.

Iohannis, who had chosen to remain in office until a successor was elected, resigned earlier this month ahead of an impeachment vote. His decision to void the election results was widely criticized by opposition leaders, who accused him of acting undemocratically. Georgescu’s communications team has echoed these accusations, questioning the legitimacy of the ongoing criminal proceedings.

On social media, his team publicly challenged Romania’s democratic integrity, tagging high-profile figures such as former U.S. President Donald Trump, billionaire Elon Musk, and U.S. Vice President JD Vance. Earlier this month, Vance criticized Romania for annulling the elections based on what he described as “flimsy suspicions” from Romanian intelligence agencies and external pressures from neighboring countries.

Meanwhile, Romanian Foreign Minister Emil Hurezeanu accused Elon Musk of interfering in the country’s political affairs, following several posts from the billionaire expressing support for Georgescu.

The future of Georgescu’s candidacy remains uncertain and may ultimately be decided by the constitutional court. Last year, the court barred another far-right, pro-Russian candidate, Diana Sosoaca, from running, a move that drew criticism within Romania.

Romania holds strategic importance as a NATO member on the alliance’s eastern flank and a European Union member state. Concerns over Georgescu’s political affiliations have been heightened due to his past remarks praising nationalist and fascist leaders from Romania’s history. While he has denied being aligned with Russia, he previously described Vladimir Putin as a “patriot and a leader” while asserting that he was “not a fan.”