Romanian prosecutors have initiated a criminal case against Calin Georgescu, a politician known for his ultranationalist views. This development comes shortly after his victory in the first round of Romania’s presidential election was annulled by the country’s Constitutional Court, which ordered a rerun of the vote.

As a critic of NATO and the European Union, Georgescu has attracted international attention, including from U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who used Romania as an example of Europe’s supposed retreat from free speech and democracy. Romania’s Constitutional Court invalidated the November election just days before a scheduled runoff, citing a need to ensure electoral integrity. This decision was influenced by intelligence reports suggesting possible Russian interference, though concrete evidence was not provided.

Initially a relatively unknown figure, Georgescu’s campaign was marked by a sudden dominance on social media, which did not adhere to Romanian election laws. His unexpected rise and subsequent treatment as a political martyr have garnered support from anti-establishment groups and right-wing figures, including Elon Musk.

Although not arrested, Georgescu is under judicial control, restricting his movements and social media usage. The criminal proceedings against him, announced by prosecutors, encompass six serious charges, including incitement against the constitutional order and the communication of false information. If convicted, he could face up to 25 years in prison. The prosecution’s actions have sparked mixed reactions, with some Romanians expressing concern over delays in communication from authorities and the potential for conspiracy theories to spread.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/27/world/europe/romania-calin-georgescu.html