Romania’s presidential election front-runner, Călin Georgescu, was taken in by police for questioning in connection with last November’s controversial canceled presidential vote, which he had won.
The detention has sparked accusations of political interference and raised concerns about the state of democracy in Romania.
Georgescu was reportedly stopped by police while on his way to file his candidacy for the upcoming presidential election. A post on his Facebook account claimed:
Călin Georgescu was going to file his new candidacy for the presidency. About 30 minutes ago, the system stopped him in traffic and he was pulled over for questioning at the Prosecutor General’s Office! Where is democracy, where are the partners who must defend democracy?
Local media reported that prosecutors had issued an arrest warrant for Georgescu and are conducting searches at the premises of his close associates, including mercenary leader Horațiu Potra and Georgescu’s bodyguard. Meanwhile, Georgescu is being questioned about the financing of his election campaign last year.
The prosecutors are investigating 27 individuals suspected of acting against Romania’s constitutional order, public incitement, initiating a fascist organisation, and making false statements regarding the sources of campaign financing. While Georgescu and his aides were not explicitly named in the prosecutors’ statement, the timing of the raids has led to speculation that the actions are politically motivated.
Georgescu has accused authorities of attempting to block his candidacy for the upcoming presidential election, scheduled for 4 May, with a runoff planned for 18 May.
Romania faced political turmoil late last year when Georgescu won the first round of the presidential election and was set to face reformist candidate Elena Lasconi in the second round. However, the Constitutional Court annulled the first round following interference allegations.
The detention of a leading presidential candidate has raised questions about the independence of Romania’s judicial system and the fairness of the upcoming election.
