Romania’s central election authority has barred far-right pro-Russian candidate Calin Georgescu from running in the May presidential election re-run, a decision that is likely to escalate Romania’s ongoing constitutional crisis and further strain relations between the U.S. and Europe.

The ruling follows the December 6 cancellation of the original presidential election due to allegations of Russian interference in Georgescu’s favor. While European officials have backed Romania’s judicial independence, figures within Donald Trump’s administration, including tech billionaire Elon Musk, have condemned the move as an attack on democracy.

Election Authority Cites Constitutional Court Ruling

According to Reuters, the election authority—comprised of Supreme Court judges and political party representatives—ruled 10 to 4 against allowing Georgescu to run again, citing the Constitutional Court’s annulment of the previous election due to his failure to comply with ballot regulations.

“It is inadmissible when rerunning the election to consider that the same person meets the conditions needed to accede to the presidency,” the authority stated.

Georgescu, a controversial nationalist figure, had unexpectedly won the first round of voting last year through a viral TikTok campaign, despite reportedly spending no funds on his election bid.

A man holds a sign reading “Calin Georgescu President” during an anti-government rally in Bucharest, Romania, March 1, 2025. REUTERS/Andreea Campeanu

Transatlantic Tensions Grow

Georgescu’s exclusion has deepened a political rift between the U.S. and Europe. While Trump allies, including Vice President JD Vance, have condemned Romania’s decision as suppression of political opposition, European diplomats from Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Spain have defended the ruling as a matter of judicial independence.

Elon Musk, an outspoken Trump adviser, called the decision “crazy” on his social media platform X, while Georgescu himself decried it as a “direct blow to the heart of democracy”, claiming “Europe is now a dictatorship, Romania is under tyranny.”

Violent Protests Erupt in Bucharest

The ruling has triggered violent demonstrations in Bucharest, where hundreds of Georgescu supporters gathered outside the election bureau shouting “Thieves!”, “Traitors!”, and “Freedom!” Protesters threw rocks, attempted to breach security barriers, and set cars and trash cans on fire.

Police responded with teargas in an effort to disperse the crowds, but tensions remain high in the Romanian capital.

Riot police officers react as supporters of far-right candidate Calin Georgescu clash with police outside Romania’s central electoral bureau, after the rejection of his candidacy for the May presidential ballot re-run, in Bucharest, Romania, March 9, 2025. Inquam Photos/George Calin via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS – THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. ROMANIA OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN ROMANIA

Legal Troubles and Next Steps

Georgescu, who submitted his candidacy last Friday despite uncertainty over his eligibility, has vowed to challenge the ruling in Romania’s Constitutional Court. However, experts believe his appeal will likely be rejected.

The far-right candidate is also under criminal investigation for six charges, including membership in a fascist organization and spreading false information about campaign financing. Despite this, Georgescu has denied all wrongdoing.