Romanian presidential candidate Calin Georgescu, a far-right politician with pro-Russian views, along with dozens of his supporters, protested outside a closed polling station in Bucharest after the Constitutional Court canceled the planned presidential runoff.
More than 100 people gathered outside the voting center in the Romanian capital on December 8, the day the runoff election was initially scheduled. They chanted slogans such as “down with the dictatorship,” “we want to vote,” and “thieves.”
Georgescu, who finished first in the first round of voting on November 24, stated that the authorities canceled the election because they feared he would win. “I am here on behalf of democracy, and I will always be,” he declared to reporters outside the polling station.
Constitutional Court Cancels Election
The decision by Romania’s Constitutional Court has sparked strong reactions. On December 6, the court annulled the entire presidential election process, citing the use of illegal digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, and undeclared financial resources. Georgescu has criticized the ruling, calling it a “coup” and an attack on democracy.
In this tense situation, Georgescu has urged voters to show up at polling stations to defend democracy and ensure that the people’s voice is heard.
What Would Have Been Decided in the Runoff?
The canceled runoff was supposed to determine the future of Romania as a NATO and European Union member. The protests have been fueled by accusations of Russian interference in the election, with some citizens fearing Romania could shift its alignment away from the Euro-Atlantic community. This concern was amplified by a report released two days earlier by President Klaus Iohannis, revealing that Russia had orchestrated a widespread social media campaign to promote Georgescu, utilizing platforms such as TikTok and Telegram.
