Massive Far-Right Protests Erupt in Romania Following Election Cancellation

On Saturday, Romania's capital city experienced a large-scale protest as tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered to oppose the government, organized primarily by far-right political groups. The protests were sparked by a controversial decision by Romania’s Constitutional Court that canceled last year's presidential election ahead of the runoff round. Protesters assembled in front of the government headquarters in Bucharest, waving the national tricolor and chanting slogans against the government, accusing politicians of theft and corruption.

Much of the protesters' anger centered around Calin Georgescu, a candidate who surged into the lead in the annulled elections last December. Georgescu, who unexpectedly came first in the initial round despite minimal campaigning and expenditures, became a focal point for demonstrators who demand that elections resume from the second round. Demonstrators also called for Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu to resign, voicing deep mistrust about the fairness of upcoming electoral processes.

George Simion, leader of the far-right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR)—the group behind Saturday’s protests—accused the government of undermining democracy. Addressing supporters, Simion insisted that their votes had been stolen and that fundamental democratic principles had been compromised.

The protest followed closely on the heels of an unsuccessful parliamentary no-confidence vote taken Friday. AUR and two additional opposition far-right parties backed this initiative, but it failed to remove Ciolacu’s pro-Western coalition government formed after parliamentary elections held on December 1st.

Meanwhile, Georgescu faces significant legal hurdles. Romanian prosecutors recently opened a criminal investigation against him. He is accused of supporting fascist groups, inciting acts against the country's constitutional order, and making false statements on his election campaign funding and asset declarations. According to his legal representatives, Georgescu has been placed under judicial supervision as part of the ongoing investigation.

Addressing the rally in Bucharest, Georgescu rejected all charges against him and accused political adversaries of attempting to prevent his candidacy through politically motivated attacks and divisions. Despite his firm denials, it remains uncertain whether Georgescu will be cleared to participate in the upcoming presidential elections.

The new presidential elections are now set to begin with the first round on May 4, 2024, with a subsequent runoff scheduled for May 18 if necessary.