Romania - February 2025

On 9 March, the Central Electoral Bureau (BEC) barred Calin Georgescu, who placed first in Romania’s annulled 2024 presidential election, from standing in May’s election re-run due to past violations of electoral law. The Constitutional Court subsequently rejected his appeal. On 15 March, the BEC also disqualified Diana Șoșoacă, SOS Romania party leader, who had already been barred from the 2024 presidential election for “anti-democratic and anti-semitic discourse.” In addition, on 26 February, prosecutors launched criminal proceedings against Georgescu on charges of undermining the Constitutional order, publicly promoting war criminals and fascist organisations, and disseminating false information. The decision sparked violent riots and was rejected by Georgescu and George Simion, the leader of the right-wing nationalist AUR party, claiming it represents an attack on democracy. Several European embassies in Bucharest have underscored the importance of the independence of the Romanian judiciary.  

Sources: International IDEA, Reuters, Juridice, Ministerul Public (1), Ministerul Public (2), DW, Romania Insider, Balkan Insight, Biziday