Romanian Far-Right Leader Calin Georgescu Questioned by Prosecutors

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Calin Georgescu, a far-right populist who secured victory in the first round of Romania’s canceled presidential election last year, was detained Wednesday by police during a traffic stop. He was taken in for questioning by prosecutors ahead of his new candidacy submission for the presidency, according to his communication team.

Details regarding the questioning have not been made public, and it remains unclear if Georgescu will face any charges. The 62-year-old politician was reportedly on his way to submit his candidacy when he was stopped, as confirmed by a statement on his team’s Facebook page.

The irregularities in the previous election created significant political turmoil in Romania. The Constitutional Court annulled the presidential election just two days before the planned Dec. 8 runoff. Georgescu had garnered attention for winning the first round on Nov. 24, despite polling in single digits and announcing zero campaign expenditure. Following this success, allegations of electoral violations and Russian interference emerged, raising questions about the integrity of the electoral process.

Despite facing scrutiny, Georgescu has denied any wrongdoing. He claimed that the annulment of the election results was “illegal and unconstitutional,” calling it a “formalized coup d’état.” His assertions of innocence were reiterated during a protest held on Saturday, February 22, where his supporters rallied outside the Romanian parliament in Bucharest.

Crowds of supporters gathered outside the prosecutor’s office on Wednesday, showing solidarity with Georgescu, some waving flags and chanting slogans like “traitors” and “liberty.” Eyewitness reports noted that police surrounded the area to maintain order as tensions flared.

Earlier on the same day, authorities conducted searches at multiple locations across Romania as part of a broader investigation into offenses which may include “establishing an organization with a fascist, racist or xenophobic character” and “false statements regarding the sources of financing of the electoral campaign.”

Georgescu’s case has drawn significant attention, especially given the unusual decision by the Constitutional Court that plunged Romania into political crisis and incited protests, with tens of thousands demonstrating against the annulment. A new timeline for presidential elections was established, with the first round now scheduled for May 4. If no candidate secures more than 50% of the vote, a runoff election will be conducted on May 18.

As the situation unfolds, it remains uncertain whether Georgescu will be eligible to participate in the upcoming elections. The developments in this case could have lasting implications for Romania’s political landscape in the months to come.