The Arrest of Romanian Presidential Candidate Calin Georgescu
Romanian presidential candidate Calin Georgescu, known for his ultra-nationalist and pro-Russian positions, was arrested on Wednesday by the police and transferred to the headquarters of the Prosecutor’s Office. This move came hours after the authorities launched a series of raids against people around him in investigations for irregular financing of campaigns and fascist propaganda.
The Georgescu press team confirmed the arrest on their official Facebook account, stating that he was going to present his new candidacy, following last year’s elections, which were annulled a few days before the second round amid suspicions of Russian interference. The team’s message was brief, but it raised questions about the state of democracy in Romania. “Where is democracy?” Georgescu’s environment asked, as he arrived at the Prosecutor’s Office without making statements to the media.
The authorities have not immediately clarified the reasons for the arrest, which was carried out in the capital, Bucharest. However, the Romanian Prime Minister, Marcel Ciolacu, emphasized on social media that “justice is independent and must be applied equally to all people,” while also respecting all the fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens. He added that Romania is a democracy where the separation of powers works completely, but he declined to comment on the latest events.
Investigations and Potential Implications
The president pointed out that in an electoral context, the judicial authorities have the duty to present extremely solid evidence in the case of investigations that affect a potential candidate for the elections of May 4, as would be the case with Georgescu. He stressed that only the communication of clear and fundamental evidence can prevent a criminal investigation from becoming an electoral manifesto for a certain candidate.
The Prosecutor’s Office ordered a total of 47 raids in several districts on Wednesday, affecting, among others, Horathiu Potra, a close collaborator of Georgescu, according to public television. The crimes being examined include actions contrary to the constitutional order, promoting the cult of persons responsible for war crimes, and collaborating in the documentary falsification of the origin of funds for a campaign.
Reactions and Next Steps
The Ultra-Right Training Alliance for the Unity of the Romanians (Aur) has announced a concentration in front of the prosecution of the Prosecutor’s Office, while the Gendarmerie has confirmed an exceptional security deployment to guarantee public order. The body has called for “civilized” behavior from people who may gather in the area.
Georgescu was the winner against the prognosis of the elections of November 24, but the Constitutional Court annulled the entire process and ordered the elections to be repeated after detecting possible irregularities in the campaign. Justice must now decide whether to authorize his candidacy for the next vote, within a period that expires on March 15. The situation remains tense, with many wondering what the future holds for Georgescu and the upcoming elections in Romania.
