The European Court of Human Rights has firmly dismissed the appeal by Calin Georgescu (Călin Georgescu), the controversial far-right candidate in the Romanian presidential election. His appeal revolved around the Constitutional Court’s December ruling invalidating the first voting round. In that initial round, Georgescu had shone brightly, achieving the highest vote count amid a tempest of allegations.
Accusations of Russian interference loomed over his campaign like a dark cloud, coupled with serious claims of violating electoral laws. The court decided that a complete overhaul of the electoral process was necessary—a dramatic step that sent ripples through the political landscape.
In his appeal to the Strasbourg court, Georgescu passionately contended that the Constitutional Court’s decision not only infringed upon his right to free elections but was also built on flimsy allegations lacking substantial evidence. He asserted that the ruling was lawfully questionable, tainted by covert political interference from the ruling party, which added fuel to the fire of his claims.
Earlier this year, the European Court of Human Rights rejected his request to challenge Romania’s decision to annul the elections, emphasising that such a request “exceeds its competence.” The court made it clear that it could not overturn decisions related to the annulment of electoral processes. Furthermore, Georgescu’s additional arguments about the dynamics of Romania’s political framework and the powers vested in the presidency were dismissed as well, with the court delivering its ruling just yesterday.
The court’s decision to annul the elections has ignited passionate protests across Romania, spearheaded by radical right groups who decried the ruling. Despite the uproar, the latest polls show Georgescu leading in public approval ratings, though his future in the elections remains uncertain. He is currently embroiled in a criminal investigation over potential electoral fraud, casting a shadow over his campaign.
With the repeated presidential elections looming, the first round is slated for May 4, followed by a possible second round two weeks later. In a surprising turn of events earlier in February, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis stepped down from his post, indicating that his resignation was a strategic move aimed at averting a looming political crisis in the country.
