Thousands rallied in Bucharest, Romania, demanding the reinstatement of canceled elections after claims of Russian interference, as tensions rise over democracy and trust in state institutions.
Thousands of Romanians rallied in Bucharest on Friday to protest the December cancellation of presidential elections that had advanced pro-Russian candidate Calin Georgescu.
The top court annulled the election on December 6, citing alleged Russian-backed social media interference. Protests have continued since, reflecting growing distrust in state institutions and polarization over political corruption and infighting.
On Friday, Georgescu’s lawyer requested the court reinstate the election results. Around 4,000 demonstrators, carrying flags, Christian icons, and a mock coffin labeled "Democracy," chanted for the second round of voting.
The government plans to rerun the election on May 4, with a runoff on May 18. Outgoing President Klaus Iohannis remains in office until a successor is elected. Georgescu’s eligibility to run again remains uncertain.
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Romania Protests
Thousands protested in Bucharest against the annulment of Romania’s presidential election and the ban on far-right frontrunner Calin Georgescu. With a new vote set for May, George Simion emerges as the hard-right's candidate, as tensions rise over Romania’s political future and EU ties.
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Romania
A far-right candidate is projected to win the first round of Romania’s presidential election rerun in May, a survey shows. However, centrist Bucharest mayor Nicusor Dan is expected to prevail in the final round, keeping Romania on its pro-European course despite rising nationalist rhetoric.
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Romanian far-right politician and Russian supporter Calin Georgescu has refrained from endorsing any other candidate after being definitively barred from standing in May’s presidential election rerun.
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face off with police
Supporters of far-right politician Calin Georgescu clashed with police outside the central election authority in Bucharest on Sunday following news that the electoral commission barred him from the re-run of the country's cancelled presidential election.
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