Calin Georgescu, a far-right pro-Russian figure, was disqualified from Romania’s presidential race, sparking protests from his supporters. The Romanian Electoral Commission cited violations of democratic principles for the decision, which some falsely attributed to EU interference. Protests, linked to the far-right AUR party, escalated into violence, with calls for unrest fueled by online rhetoric. The situation highlights a shift in Georgescu’s strategy from campaigning to inciting chaos, raising concerns about the state of democracy in Romania.
The Controversy Surrounding Calin Georgescu’s Candidacy
Calin Georgescu, a prominent far-right supporter of pro-Russian ideologies, has been disqualified from the presidential race in Romania. The Romanian Electoral Commission announced this decision on March 9, leading to intense protests from his supporters both in the streets and online. This situation marks a significant political upheaval in Romania, prompting a closer look at the facts surrounding this crisis.
Debunking the Myths: Brussels’ Role in the Decision
Contrary to popular belief, Brussels is not behind Georgescu’s disqualification. Many social media users quickly blamed the European Union, claiming, “In Romania, democracy is officially DEAD, and its killer was none other than the European Union.” However, the reality is that the Romanian Constitutional Court took measures to annul the election due to allegations of foreign interference identified by the nation’s intelligence services. The European Commission’s investigation that followed the annulment simply aimed to ensure compliance with the Digital Services Act, which outlines obligations for digital platforms but does not influence election outcomes.
The Electoral Commission’s decision to bar Georgescu was based on the principle that allowing him to participate in the new electoral process would be unacceptable. They stated that he “does not meet the conditions of legality” due to violations of democratic voting principles. Following this announcement, Georgescu’s party indicated plans to appeal the ruling, igniting protests in the capital.
These demonstrations turned violent as protesters clashed with law enforcement, leading to injuries and the use of tear gas by gendarmes. Reports indicate that the number of protesters ranged from a few hundred to a thousand, significantly lower than the 4,000 who participated in previous pro-European rallies.
The organization of these protests appears to be linked to Georgescu’s close associates, particularly members of the far-right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR). Evidence suggests that specific political figures, including party deputies, played a role in coordinating the protests. Additionally, figures like Lulea Marius Dorin, the AUR party leader, have been instrumental in promoting Georgescu’s campaign through social media channels.
Online platforms have also been a breeding ground for calls to violence, as evidenced by a WhatsApp message from Horatiu Potra, a Franco-Romanian mercenary. His inflammatory rhetoric has raised alarms among law enforcement, who are investigating his attempts to destabilize the country. Potra’s past affiliations with the Russian Wagner militia further complicate the narrative surrounding these protests.
In conclusion, the violence witnessed in Romania following the exclusion of Georgescu from the presidential race appears to reflect a coordinated effort to create social unrest rather than genuine citizen mobilization. As noted by Romanian media, Georgescu’s focus seems to have shifted from campaigning to inciting disorder, raising questions about the broader implications for Romanian democracy.