Romania's Electoral Bureau Disqualifies Calin Georgescu, Sparks Protests

Romania's electoral bureau has rejected Calin Georgescu's candidacy for the rerun of last year's annulled presidential vote, triggering protests in Bucharest. The decision, citing Georgescu's failure to adhere to ballot regulations and the annulled December election, was made by a 10-4 margin. The disqualification has intensified a constitutional crisis in Romania, a NATO and EU member state, and strained relations between Europe and the United States. Hundreds of Georgescu's supporters protested the decision, leading to clashes with riot police who used tear gas to disperse the crowd. Protesters hurled rocks, overturned vehicles, and set rubbish bins ablaze. Georgescu, who is also under criminal investigation, has denounced the ruling as a blow to democracy. The decision can be contested in the constitutional court.