Călin Georgescu, born on March 26, 1962, in Bucharest, Romania, is a far-right politician and agronomist known for his ultranationalist and pro-Russian views. He has held various positions in environmental and governmental organizations, including serving as Secretary-General of the Romanian Ministry of Environment and as President of the European Research Center of the Club of Rome from 2013 to 2015.
In the November 2024 Romanian presidential election, Georgescu ran as an independent candidate. Initially considered a marginal contender, he garnered significant support, leading the first round with 22.95% of the votes. However, allegations of Russian interference and illegal campaign financing led the Constitutional Court to annul the election results on December 6, 2024.
Subsequently, Georgescu faced criminal investigations on charges including promoting antisemitism, membership in a fascist organization, and disseminating false information about campaign financing. Preventive measures were imposed, restricting his travel and online activities.
In March 2025, as Romania prepared for a rerun of the presidential election, the Central Election Bureau (BEC) rejected Georgescu’s candidacy, citing violations of laws against extremism. This decision can be appealed to the Constitutional Court within 24 hours.
apnews.com The BEC’s decision has sparked protests from Georgescu’s supporters and criticism from international figures, including U.S. Vice-President JD Vance, who viewed the move as undemocratic.
The situation has led to diplomatic tensions, with allegations of Russian interference and varying international reactions, reflecting the complex political climate surrounding Georgescu’s candidacy.