Romania: Far-right candidate Georgescu barred from election – DW – 03/09/2025
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Calin Georgescu had been leading in opinion polls with around 40% of the vote. He is expected to appeal the decision to exclude him from the election.

Summary

Romania’s electoral commission barred far-right candidate Calin Georgescu from the presidential election without explanation.

Georgescu, who led polls with 40%, called the move “a direct blow to democracy” and plans to appeal. His supporters protested in Bucharest.

The constitutional court annulled his prior election win over alleged Russian interference, which he denies. He faces legal issues, including accusations of financing violations and extremist ties.

A vocal Trump supporter, Georgescu received backing from Trump officials, including Elon Musk and JD Vance, who condemned Romania’s actions.

  • @[email protected]English
    14•13 hours ago

    It’s a tough question but I don’t think it’s hypocritical.

    A good government serves two roles: (a) to protect the rights of its citizens, and (b) to enact policy that is representative of its citizens (as shown by popular vote and opinion, usually). But no policy should be allowed to supersede a real right, no matter how popular.

    So if a candidate is going to subjugate rights as a matter of policy, that government is right to bar them, even if that is undemocratic. Minds can differ on what rights have primacy, and how nuanced those rights are, but I think it’s coherent.