On February 26, 2025, police arrested Romanian pro-Russian former presidential candidate Călin Georgescu and brought him to the Prosecutor General's Office for interrogation. This follows Georgescu's surprising victory in the 2024 presidential election's first round which was later canceled because of claims of Russian meddling. In order to support Georgescu's candidacy the Constitutional Court pointed to evidence of aggressive hybrid Russian attacks via social media campaigns which sparked massive demonstrations and calls for the election to be held again.
Charges of creating a fascist organization and giving misleading information on campaign funding are connected to Georgescu's detention. Authorities searched his connections extensively including his bodyguard's home where €900,000 was found. Georgescu has denied any wrongdoing and said that the government is making up evidence to keep him from rerunning in May 2025 presidential election.
The circumstance draws attention to Romanian worsening political crisis which has been exacerbated by the election annulment. Numerous Romanians have expressed discontent with the vote's cancellation which has damaged public confidence in democratic institutions. Political environment is further polarized by Georgescu's detention which some perceive as an attempt to quell opposition and others as a necessary step to counter possible threats to democracy. Romania is still being watched closely by both domestic and foreign observers who are worried about integrity of its democratic processes as it works through this difficult circumstance.
CALIN GEORGESCU'S MESSAGE AS HE IS ARRESTED
Two hours before our second interview and minutes after we spoke, I get a chilling phone call from the man Romania voted to be President."
MARIO, THE POLICE IS HERE ARRESTING ME ON THE STREETS. I CANNOT DO THE INTERVIEW."
Charges of creating a fascist organization and giving misleading information on campaign funding are connected to Georgescu's detention. Authorities searched his connections extensively including his bodyguard's home where €900,000 was found. Georgescu has denied any wrongdoing and said that the government is making up evidence to keep him from rerunning in May 2025 presidential election.
The circumstance draws attention to Romanian worsening political crisis which has been exacerbated by the election annulment. Numerous Romanians have expressed discontent with the vote's cancellation which has damaged public confidence in democratic institutions. Political environment is further polarized by Georgescu's detention which some perceive as an attempt to quell opposition and others as a necessary step to counter possible threats to democracy. Romania is still being watched closely by both domestic and foreign observers who are worried about integrity of its democratic processes as it works through this difficult circumstance.
CALIN GEORGESCU'S MESSAGE AS HE IS ARRESTED
Two hours before our second interview and minutes after we spoke, I get a chilling phone call from the man Romania voted to be President."
MARIO, THE POLICE IS HERE ARRESTING ME ON THE STREETS. I CANNOT DO THE INTERVIEW."
