On Sunday, the Central Election Office (CBW) in Romania made a controversial decision that shook not only the country but besides the global community. The CBW announced it would not let Calin Georgescu, the winner of the first circular of presidential elections, to participate in re-elections scheduled for May. This decision was met with fierce criticism both at home and abroad, and Georgescu himself described it as “a calf in the heart of planet democracy”.
Why did the CBW reject Georgesc's candidacy?
According to the information provided by Kamil Calius, an expert in the Centre for east Studies for Romania, the reason for the rejection of the application for registration of Calin Georgescu was to be the non-compliance of a message of income with real policy revenues. 10 members of the CBW voted against, 4. Georgescu now has 24 hours to appeal, and the final decision will be taken within 48 hours.
A direct blow to the heart of democracy worldwide! I have 1 message left! If democracy in Romania falls, the only democratic planet will fall! This is just the beginning. It’s that simple!
Europe is now a dictatorship, Romania is under tyranny!
— Călin Georgescu authoritative ACCOUNT (@CG_Romania) March 9, 2025
Protests on the Streets of Romania
The CBW decision triggered an immediate public response. Georgesc supporters went out on the streets, and the situation rapidly got out of control. According to romaniajournal.ro portal, clashes with uniformed services occurred. Manifestans breached the barrier set outside the CBW office by police, and as a consequence of the riots, 1 officer was injured. Protests proceed and tension in the country is increasing.
International Response: Elon Musk and the US Criticize CBW Decision
The decision of the Romanian authorities met fierce criticism from global observers. Elon Musk, an entrepreneur and advisor to president Donald Trump, commented on the annulment of Georgescu's candidacy briefly: "This is madness". besides US Vice president JD Vance, at the 61st Munich safety Conference, criticised the Romanian authorities' actions, reminding the EU Commissioner that akin steps could be taken in Germany if needed.
Georgescu the poll leader, but will he run?
Calin Georgescu, a right-wing politician, won the first circular of presidential elections in November, nevertheless the Romanian Constitutional Court overturned its results. Georgescu presently leads in polls, reaching a score of 40-45%. Nevertheless, from the beginning there were fears that the establishment would not let him to participate in the election. Now that the CBW has decided to reject his candidacy, the situation has become even more tense. Georgesc is besides under investigation for alleged electoral abuses, which further complicates his situation.
Repeated presidential election: What next?
The repeated presidential elections in Romania are scheduled for May. The first circular will take place on 4 May, and a possible second circular 2 weeks later. In Romania, as in Poland, real power is exercised by the government, and the president mainly performs typical functions. However, the president has a crucial impact on abroad policy, defence and nominations for key state positions. Therefore, the result of the elections will not only substance to Romania but besides to the full region.
Summary
The CBW decision in Romania caused a storm both at home and abroad. Protests on the streets, criticism from global observers and uncertainty about the future of presidential elections make the situation in Romania highly dynamic. Will Calin Georgescu be able to run for election? Will protests affect the decision of the CBW? These questions will be answered soon.
Read more:
Eurokolos is getting his way! Romanian CBW does not let Georgesc to re-election
