Violent protests erupted on Sunday evening in front of the Central Election Office in Bucharest after authorities excluded the candidacy of Călin Georgescu, a far-right and pro-Russian politician, from the May presidential election, writes A2 CNN.
The decision came after allegations of violations of electoral rules and Russian interference in the previous electoral process, where Georgescu had won the first round, but the results were annulled by the Constitutional Court.
Footage broadcast by Antena 3 CNN showed Georgescu supporters chanting "Nu plecăm!" ("We are not leaving!") before the situation escalated into violence. Protesters threw Molotov cocktails and stones at riot police, who responded with tear gas. A Digi24 television van overturned during the riots, and at least 13 gendarmes were injured, according to Antena 3 reports.
Authorities have tightened security measures and launched a criminal investigation into the van's destruction, reviewing video footage to identify those responsible.
Georgescu condemned the decision of the electoral authorities, calling it a "threat to global democracy." He has received support from prominent figures, including George Simion, leader of the far-right AUR party, as well as international figures such as Elon Musk and US Vice President JD Vance, who criticized the decision as anti-democratic.
Presidential elections are scheduled to be held on May 4, with a potential second round on May 18. Other candidates, such as the current mayor of Bucharest, Nicușor Dan, and former liberal leader Crin Antonescu, have announced their candidacies.
The current situation has raised concerns about Romania's political stability and the integrity of the electoral process, fueling debates over the impact of foreign interference and the rise of populist movements in the country. (A2 Televizion)
A2 CNN Livestream
MUND TE LEXONI GJITHASHTU
