Calin Georgescu faces accusations of hate speech, promoting antisemitism, and links to extremist organizations.
Romanian judicial authorities announced on Wednesday (26) the opening of a criminal investigation against Calin Georgescu, a far-right candidate and former favorite in the canceled 2024 presidential election. Georgescu is suspected of various crimes, including promoting antisemitism, hate speech, and forming an extremist organization.
The presidential election, originally scheduled for December last year, was annulled due to strong indications of foreign interference, specifically from Russia, in favor of Georgescu. The candidate, a harsh critic of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and Western support for Ukraine, has always denied any ties to the Kremlin. Moscow, for its part, rejected the interference allegations.
The decision to launch a criminal investigation came in the wake of several reports of irregularities involving Georgescu’s candidacy. According to prosecutors, the investigations cover everything from campaign finance fraud to the spread of racist and revisionist ideas. Among the most serious accusations is the formation of an antisemitic organization and the glorification of war criminals and fascist groups.
Georgescu was questioned for over six hours by prosecutors in Bucharest. During the session, he was asked about his alleged ties to extremist groups and the funding of his election campaign. After the questioning, he denied all the charges and accused the government of politically persecuting him. “The Bolshevik communist system continues its heinous abuse,” he wrote on his Facebook account. “They are trying to invent evidence to justify the theft of the election and block my new candidacy.”
Outside the prosecutor’s office, around 100 of Georgescu’s supporters gathered in protest, chanting slogans like “national unity.” Among the demonstrators were members of parliament linked to ultranationalist groups, who denounced the investigation as an attempt to silence the opposition.
Upon leaving the building, Georgescu was applauded by his followers and declared that he would continue his presidential campaign. However, as part of precautionary measures, he will be under judicial control for 60 days, which requires him to appear regularly before the authorities.
In addition to Georgescu’s interrogation, prosecutors executed 47 search and seizure warrants at addresses connected to the candidate and his allies. One of the main targets of the operation was Horatiu Potra, a former member of the French Foreign Legion and current head of a private security company providing services to Georgescu. During the police raid, a large arsenal of weapons and hidden money was found.
Georgescu’s communication team claimed that the authorities’ actions were politically motivated and took place on the same day the candidate planned to officially register for the new presidential elections, scheduled for May. “Where is democracy now? Where are the partners who should defend democracy?” asked a statement posted on his social media.
The investigation against Georgescu and the annulment of the election have sparked strong international reactions. In the United States, members of President Donald Trump’s administration criticized the Romanian authorities’ decision. U.S. Vice President JD Vance stated that the annulment of the election shows that “Romania does not share American values.”
Billionaire Elon Musk also commented on the case, using his X (formerly Twitter) platform to condemn Georgescu’s arrest. “They just arrested the person who got the most votes in the Romanian presidential election,” Musk wrote, repeating false claims that Georgescu had been detained. “This is a mess.”
Calin Georgescu has a history of controversial and provocative statements. He has praised the fascist leaders of 1930s Romania, describing them as “patriots and martyrs.” He is also known for his sympathies for Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, raising suspicions about possible foreign influences on his campaign.
Despite the criminal investigation, Georgescu remains one of the most popular candidates in opinion polls for the May elections. However, his participation in the race remains uncertain, as the charges could legally prevent him from running.
Romania has strict laws against promoting fascism and racial discrimination. Legislation prohibits the promotion of fascist leaders and Nazi, racist, or xenophobic symbols, crimes that can result in prison sentences. However, prior to the canceled election, such cases rarely went to trial.
The investigation against Calin Georgescu marks a pivotal moment in Romanian politics, raising questions about the influence of ultranationalist forces in the country and the growing tension between the government and the opposition. As the investigation continues, the case becomes a test for the Romanian judicial system and for the country’s democratic stability.
While authorities argue that the investigation is necessary to protect democratic values and combat extremism, Georgescu’s supporters claim he is being politically persecuted. International pressure adds complexity to the situation, with prominent figures like Elon Musk and members of the Trump administration sharply criticizing the actions of the Romanian government.
The outcome of the case could have profound implications, not only for Romania’s internal politics but also for its positioning in the global geopolitical arena. Whatever the result, the country will face significant challenges in ensuring that the upcoming elections take place transparently and legitimately, restoring public confidence in the democratic process.
