Romania's Electoral Commission Rejects Far-Right Candidate Calin Georgescu's Presidential Bid Amidst Protests

Romania's electoral commission barred far-right politician Calin Georgescu from running in the upcoming presidential elections on Sunday. The electoral bureau stated it rejected Georgescu's independent candidacy without giving specific reasons. Georgescu has denounced the action as "a direct blow to the heart of democracy worldwide" and is anticipated to appeal the decision. Following the announcement, hundreds of Georgescu's supporters protested in Bucharest, attempting to enter the electoral commission's building. Georgescu had previously led in opinion polls before the annulment of an earlier presidential election by Romania's constitutional court, which cited allegations of Russian interference. He faces accusations of ties to Russia, making false statements about campaign financing, and fascist affiliations. Senior members of Trump's administration have publicly backed Georgescu.