Georgescu's claims spark controversy amid Romanian election chaos
Pro-Russian politician Calin Georgescu, the winner of the annulled first round of the presidential elections in Romania, has declared that Ukraine is an "imaginary country" and that parts of its territory should be divided among Romania, Hungary, and Poland. These shocking statements are gaining traction online.
On Wednesday, during a political program hosted by right-wing commentator Ion Cristoiu on YouTube, Georgescu made a populist statement dismissing Ukraine as a fictional entity with no real existence.
Scandalous words from Georgescu
When asked about the potential redrawing of Ukraine's borders after the end of the war with Russia, he asserted that such changes would occur.
The pro-Kremlin politician argued that territorial changes are unavoidable, emphasizing that the world is evolving and borders shift accordingly. He pointed to Northern Bukovina, Budjak, and northern Maramureș in Zakarpattia, noting that part of the region belongs to Hungarians. He also suggested that Lviv would go to Poland and referred to "Malorossiya," a historical term used by Russian nationalists to challenge Ukraine's status as a distinct nation.
Moscow's interference in Romanian elections
The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reacted to the statement, accusing Georgescu of promoting Russian propaganda. In a Facebook post by the Romanian embassy in Ukraine, spokesperson Heorhiy Tykhyi quoted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson as saying, "His attempts to position himself as an 'independent' politician look absurd—the rhetoric he voiced is identical to Russian propaganda, indicating complete dependence on his masters in Moscow."
The Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also responded to the statement, though it did not mention Georgescu by name. A post on platform X stated, "The Romanian Foreign Ministry strongly reiterates Romania's steadfast position in support of the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders."
Georgescu, a previously unknown far-right politician, won the first round of the presidential elections on November 24, 2024. However, in December, just two days before the second round, the Constitutional Court annulled the results of the first round and ordered the entire electoral process to be repeated. The decision was based on documents indicating that Georgescu's campaign was a result of manipulations, likely supported by Russia.
The first round of the repeated presidential elections in Romania will be held on 4 May, and the second round will be held two weeks later. According to an Avangarde poll published in mid-January before the elections, Georgescu is leading with 38% support, although it is still unclear whether he will be able to participate.
