Turmoil in Romania: Election rejection sparks violent protests
The Romanian Central Election Bureau (CEB) rejected the far-right, pro-Russian Călin Georgescu's candidacy in the presidential election on Saturday, his spokesperson reported on Sunday. Georgescu's supporters attempted to breach the police line and storm the commission building using cobblestones, while security forces responded with tear gas.
Georgescu described the commission's decision as "a direct blow to the heart of democracy worldwide!." He stated, "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!," on X. "Europe is now a dictatorship, Romania is under tyranny!" he concluded.
"This is madness," commented Elon Musk, a billionaire and advisor to President Donald Trump, criticizing the invalidation of Georgescu's candidacy on X as well.
The CEB's decision can still be appealed to the Constitutional Court, Bloomberg agency reminded.
Riots in front of the CEB headquarters
Supporters of Georgescu gathered in front of the Central Election Bureau headquarters in Bucharest. After the Bureau announced its decision, they broke through police barriers and attempted to storm the building. The security forces used tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Clashes ensued between demonstrators and the gendarmerie. The cotidianul.ro service reported that some protesters began to pull up cobblestones and throw them at police officers. Bushes in front of the office were also set on fire.
Many demonstrators held Romanian flags, chanting: "The last resort is another revolution!".
Riots spread to neighbouring streets, with several groups of protesters throwing bottles, firecrackers, and stones at police. Some even built bonfires in the streets.
Police confirmed using tear gas several times to disperse aggressive demonstrators. At least two protesters were detained, and several dozen others were identified.
According to a police report, one group of demonstrators attacked a Digi24 news television car, overturning the vehicle. Fortunately, there were no journalists inside at the time.
Two police officers sustained injuries during the clashes.
The CEB's decision is not the end of the problems
Georgescu, a far-right politician, was the unexpected winner of the first round of presidential elections on November 24. However, at the beginning of December, the Romanian Constitutional Court decided not to recognize the election results and ordered a repeat vote. They cited electoral law violations, lack of transparency in campaign financing, and possible Russian interference in the election process committed by Georgescu’s electoral team.
The Romanian prosecutor's office launched an investigation into Georgescu on suspected electoral fraud. He faces allegations including irregularities in campaign financing, promoting anti-Semitic content, spreading hate speech, and actions against constitutional order. If found guilty, Georgescu could face imprisonment and be barred from seeking public office, Bloomberg agency reminded.
