Romania Cancels Presidential Election Results, Investigation Launched Against Right-Wing Politician Georgeescu

Romania Cancels Presidential Election Results, Investigation Launched Against Right-Wing Politician Georgeescu

Bucharest: Romanian prosecutors on Wednesday questioned right-wing politician Călin Georgeescu, who was leading in the first round of last year's presidential election, but whose results were later annulled in a shocking decision that has caused political instability in the country.

The country's Constitutional Court annulled the election results last December, citing allegations of Russian interference and claims of extensive social media campaigning by Georgeescu, who suddenly gained popularity. However, Georgeescu has denied the allegations and described the annulment of the results as "a formal coup d'état."

Television footage showed Georgeescu being escorted by police to the prosecutor's office. A judicial source told AFP that he would be questioned, but no further details were provided.

On Wednesday, the prosecutor's office issued a statement saying that several raids had been conducted across the country. The prosecutors revealed that the investigation is looking into allegations such as the formation of an "organization with fascist, racist, or anti-foreign character" and "false statements regarding the sources of campaign funding." However, Georgeescu’s name was not explicitly mentioned.

On his social media page, Georgeescu wrote, "I am fighting against this security system that wants to keep us in slavery, on behalf of my voters and those who, even with different political views, want a free and democratic Romania."

Georgeescu's party stated that the police had stopped him while driving and took him for questioning.

Supporters of Georgeescu gathered outside the prosecutor's office, with some holding flags and chanting slogans such as "Traitor" and "Freedom."

Romania's authorities' decision to annul the election results, a member of the European Union and NATO, has led to a deep political crisis in the country, with thousands of people protesting against the decision.

Now, the first round of the new presidential election will be held on May 4, and if no candidate receives more than 50% of the votes, a second round will be held on May 18.