Latest news with #GeorgeSimion
BreakingNews.ie
4 days ago
- General
- BreakingNews.ie
Populist frontrunner in Romania's cancelled election to step back from politics
Calin Georgescu, the populist whose bid for Romania's presidency last year resulted in the annulment of an election in the European Union and Nato member country, has announced he is stepping away from political life. Mr Georgescu upended Romania's political landscape last November when he ran as an independent and unexpectedly surged to frontrunner in the first round of the presidential election, going from an obscure candidate to beating the incumbent prime minister. Advertisement 'I choose to be a passive observer of public and social life,' the 63-year-old said in a video posted online late on Monday. 'I choose to remain outside any political party structure … I am not affiliated with any political group in any way.' Calin Georgescu, centre, upended Romania's political landscape last November (Vadim Ghirda/AP) Despite denying any wrongdoing, Mr Georgescu was barred from the tense election rerun held in May, won by pro-EU candidate Nicusor Dan, who was officially sworn in on Monday. Mr Dan, a mathematician and former Bucharest mayor, beat the hard-right nationalist George Simion, who became Mr Georgescu's nominal successor. Advertisement Mr Georgescu said he had made his decision to take a step back following the conclusion of the presidential race, which for him indicated 'the sovereignist movement has come to a close'. 'Even though this political chapter has ended, I am convinced that the values and ideals we fought for together remain steadfast,' he said. 'My dear ones, I have always said that we would make history, not politics.' The outcome of Mr Georgescu's success in last year's chaotic election cycle sent shockwaves through Romania's political establishment. It also left many observers wondering how most local surveys had put him behind at least five other candidates. Advertisement Mr Georgescu was barred from the tense election rerun held this month (Andreea Alexandru/AP) Despite what appeared to be a sprawling social media campaign promoting him, Mr Georgescu had declared zero campaign spending. A top Romanian court then made the unprecedented move to annul the election after allegations emerged of electoral violations and Russian interference. In February, prosecutors opened criminal proceedings against Mr Georgescu, accusing him of incitement to undermine the constitutional order, election campaign funding abuses, and founding or supporting fascist, racist, xenophobic, or antisemitic organisations, among other charges. He was due to appear at the prosecutor's office in Bucharest on Tuesday. Advertisement Once a member of Mr Simion's hard-right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians, Mr Georgescu left the party in 2022 after a period of infighting. He was accused by colleagues of being pro-Russian and critical of Nato, the US-led military alliance to which Romania belongs. He sparked controversy for describing Romanian fascist and nationalist leaders from the 1930s and 1940s as national heroes. He has also praised Russian president Vladimir Putin in the past as 'a man who loves his country' and has questioned Ukraine's statehood, but he claims not to be pro-Russian. The presidential election was won by pro-EU candidate Nicusor Dan (Andreea Alexandru/AP) After Romania's decision to cancel the election last year, Mr Georgescu became a cause celebre among nationalists, with support coming from figures such as US vice president JD Vance and tech billionaire Elon Musk — who both criticised Romania for annulling the vote. Mr Georgescu has argued the election was 'cancelled illegally and unconstitutionally', and after he was barred from the May rerun, he accused the authorities of 'inventing evidence to justify the theft' of the elections. Advertisement Earlier this year, thousands of protesters took to the streets of Bucharest in a show of support for Mr Georgescu, who cemented his status as a persecuted anti-system candidate, railing against a corrupt political class. 'I deeply understand what many of you have gone through: you suffered, you were harassed, humiliated, wronged, and marginalised,' Mr Georgescu said on Monday, adding that he might return to politics 'if a serious opportunity arises that could bring real benefits to Romania and the Romanian people'.
Associated Press
4 days ago
- Politics
- Associated Press
Calin Georgescu, frontrunner in Romania's canceled election, announces withdrawal from politics
BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Calin Georgescu, the controversial populist whose bid for Romania's presidency last year resulted in the annulment of an election in the European Union and NATO member country, announced he is stepping away from political life. Georgescu upended Romania's political landscape last November when he ran as an independent and unexpectedly surged to frontrunner in the first round of the presidential election, going from an obscure candidate to beating the incumbent prime minister. 'I choose to be a passive observer of public and social life,' the 63-year-old said in a video posted online late Monday. 'I choose to remain outside any political party structure … I am not affiliated with any political group in any way.' Despite denying any wrongdoing, Georgescu was barred from the tense election rerun held in May, won by pro-EU candidate Nicusor Dan, who was officially sworn in on Monday. Dan, a mathematician and former Bucharest mayor, beat the hard-right nationalist George Simion, who became Georgescu's nominal successor. Georgescu said he made his decision to take a step back following the conclusion of the presidential race, which for him indicated 'the sovereignist movement has come to a close.' 'Even though this political chapter has ended, I am convinced that the values and ideals we fought for together remain steadfast,' he said. 'My dear ones, I have always said that we would make history, not politics.' The outcome of Georgescu's success in last year's chaotic election cycle sent shockwaves through Romania's political establishment. It also left many observers wondering how most local surveys had put him behind at least five other candidates. Despite what appeared to be a sprawling social media campaign promoting him, Georgescu had declared zero campaign spending. A top Romanian court then made the unprecedented move to annul the election after allegations emerged of electoral violations and Russian interference. In February, prosecutors opened criminal proceedings against Georgescu, accusing him of incitement to undermine the constitutional order, election campaign funding abuses, and founding or supporting fascist, racist, xenophobic, or antisemitic organizations, among other charges. On Tuesday, he was due to appear at the prosecutor's office in Bucharest. Once a member of Simion's hard-right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians, Georgescu left the party in 2022 after a period of infighting. He was accused by colleagues of being pro-Russian and critical of NATO, the U.S.-led military alliance to which Romania belongs. He sparked controversy for describing Romanian fascist and nationalist leaders from the 1930s and 1940s as national heroes. He has also praised Russian President Vladimir Putin in the past as 'a man who loves his country' and has questioned Ukraine's statehood, but he claims not to be pro-Russian. After Romania's decision to cancel the election last year, Georgescu became a cause célèbre among nationalists, with support coming from figures such as U.S. Vice President JD Vance and tech billionaire Elon Musk — who both criticized Romania for annulling the vote. Georgescu has argued the election was 'canceled illegally and unconstitutionally,' and after he was barred from the May rerun, he accused the authorities of 'inventing evidence to justify the theft' of the elections. Earlier this year, thousands of protesters took to the streets of Bucharest in a show of support for Georgescu, who cemented his status as a persecuted anti-system candidate, railing against a corrupt political class. 'I deeply understand what many of you have gone through: you suffered, you were harassed, humiliated, wronged, and marginalized,' Georgescu said Monday, adding he might return to politics 'if a serious opportunity arises that could bring real benefits to Romania and the Romanian people.'
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Pro-Russian Georgescu announces retirement from Romania's politics
Calin Georgescu, a Moscow-friendly Romanian politician who ran for president in November 2024, announced on May 26 that he is retiring from politics. In a video address posted online, Georgescu said he had made a personal choice to become a mere "observer of public and social life" and devote more time and energy to his family. An ultranationalist and a staunch opponent of NATO, Georgescu came first in the initial round of the presidential election in November 2024 with 22.9% of the vote. Romania's Constitutional Court later annulled the vote due to credible evidence of foreign interference in Georgescu's favor, namely from Russia. Georgescu was later barred from participating in a rerun in May as he faces multiple criminal charges over suspected promotion of fascist ideologies and Romania's World War II-era leader, Ion Antonescu, who oversaw the Holocaust in the country. In his address, Georgescu said that after the presidential election, "this stage of the sovereignist movement has ended." He added he would not join any political party or seek to hold a political office. After Georgescu was banned from running for president, far-right Eurosceptic George Simion became the leading nationalist candidate instead but was defeated in the runoff on May 18 by pro-EU centrist Nicusor Dan. "The world is weary of conflict, war, haste, violence, and political excess," Georgescu said. "When public attention is consumed by political infighting that has little to do with society's well-being, those in professions vital to the country's welfare are pushed to the margins." Georgescu thanked all those who supported him, claiming they had been "harassed, humiliated, and marginalized," and extended his gratitude also to his opponents. The largely unknown Georgescu surged in popularity shortly before the November vote thanks to what is suspected to be Russian interference and a hybrid campaign on the TikTok platform. The former candidate has vowed to end Romania's assistance to Ukraine and once suggested that Bucharest could take part in the country's post-war partition, drawing a rebuke from Kyiv. Read also: Why did Russia invade Ukraine? Debunking Putin's 'root causes' claims We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Al Jazeera
5 days ago
- Politics
- Al Jazeera
Romania's President Dan sworn in amid far-right claims of stolen election
Pro-European Nicusor Dan has been sworn in as Romania's new president amid persisting claims from the far right that his election was illegitimate. The centrist promised on Monday to usher in a 'new chapter' in Romania amid hopes that his inauguration could help bring an end to months of political crisis. However, his pro-Russian and nationalist rival George Simion maintained that the May 18 election represents a 'coup d'etat'. In the run-up to the election, which was marred by the annulment of November's initial vote due to Russian interference, Dan promised to quash corruption and reaffirm Romania's commitment to the European Union and NATO. In his inauguration speech, he said he would fix Romania's economic and political woes and be a president 'open to the voice of society'. 'The Romanian state needs a fundamental change within the rule of law, and I invite you to continue to be involved in order to put positive pressure on state institutions to reform,' he said. 'I call on political parties to act in the national interest.' The May election rerun was held months after the Constitutional Court voided the previous election. Far-right, pro-Russian Calin Georgescu had won the most votes in the first round of November's vote but was thrown out of the race after allegations of electoral violations and Russian interference, which Moscow has denied. Simion, leader of the far-right Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), took his place and led the polls for weeks before a surge in the final days of the campaign pushed Dan past the post. Since the result was announced, Simion has repeatedly alleged, without providing evidence, that the election was rigged through foreign interference. However, the Constitutional Court validated the results on Thursday after rejecting an appeal from Simion to annul the vote. Lawmakers from the AUR boycotted the swearing-in ceremony, calling it 'legitimising a national treason' while Simion condemned the court's decision as a 'coup d'etat'. Authorities remain on alert with protests expected by supporters of the far right. Dan's victory over Simion was heralded around Europe with the outcome viewed as crucial to maintaining Romania's place within Western alliances, especially as the war continues in neighbouring Ukraine. 'We won the Romanian presidential elections. People rejected isolationism and Russian influence,' Dan said on Sunday at a rally in Poland for liberal Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski, who will face nationalist Karol Nawrocki in a presidential run-off on June 1. However, significant challenges lie ahead for Dan as Romania faces political and economic crises. He must first nominate a prime minister who can garner the support necessary to form a new government as widespread rejection of the political class has propelled figures like Georgescu and Simion into leading challengers. Dan is expected to meet Ilie Bolojan, who had been serving as interim president. The member of the pro-EU National Liberal Party has been tipped as a possible prime minister. As for Romanians struggling economically, Dan made few promises on Monday. 'Put simply, … the Romanian state is spending more than it can afford,' the new president said. 'It is in the national interest for Romania to send a message of stability to financial markets,' he said. 'It is in the national interest to send a signal of openness and predictability to the investment environment.'
BreakingNews.ie
5 days ago
- Politics
- BreakingNews.ie
Challenges loom as new Romanian President sworn in
Romania's newly-elected President Nicusor Dan has been officially sworn in, ushering in a tentative close to the worst political crisis to grip the European Union country in decades after the annulment of the previous election. However, multiple challenges lie ahead. Mr Dan, a 55-year-old mathematician and former mayor of the capital, Bucharest, decisively won the tense re-run in a run-off on May 18, beating his hard-right opponent George Simion. Advertisement Mr Simion later challenged the results at a top court, but was rejected last week. At the inauguration ceremony in a joint session of parliament, Mr Dan signed the constitutional oath. In a speech afterward, he promised to tackle Romania's economic woes and to be a president 'open to the voice of society'. Mr Dan was elected after a tense run-off (AP) 'The Romanian state needs a fundamental change … and I invite you to continue to be involved with all the social force you have proven, to put positive pressure on the institutions of the Romanian state so that they can reform,' he said. Advertisement 'I assure you that I will be a president who listens to the voice of society and who is a partner to that society.' The May election was held months after the Constitutional Court voided the previous election in which the far-right outsider Calin Georgescu led the first round, following allegations of electoral violations and Russian interference, which Moscow has denied. The court's unprecedented decision last year plunged Romania, which is a member of Nato as well as the EU, into a period of unprecedented political turmoil. The presidential role carries a five-year term and significant decision-making powers in national security and foreign policy. Advertisement In the presidential election re-run, Mr Dan ran independently on an 'Honest Romania' ticket, reaffirming Western ties, continued support for Ukraine, and fiscal reforms. Mr Dan has said he will be a steadfast ally to Nato (AP) Addressing the economic challenges that lie ahead, Mr Dan said 'put simply … the Romanian state is spending more than it can afford'. 'It is in the national interest for Romania to send a message of stability to financial markets,' he added. 'It is in the national interest to send a signal of openness and predictability to the investment environment.' Advertisement Many observers viewed the election outcome as crucial to maintaining Romania's place within Western alliances, especially as the war continues in neighbouring Ukraine. At the same time, the continent scrambles to arm itself as the United States' commitment to European partners has waned under US President Donald Trump. As Mr Dan begins his mandate, he faces the immediate challenge of nominating a prime minister who can garner the support necessary to form a government, a tall order in a country where a rejection of the political class led to the emergence of figures like Mr Georgescu and Mr Simion. Mr Dan will also have to contend with a string of other crises, such as a large budget deficit, deep societal divisions exposed by the chaotic election cycle, and the war that drags on next door. Advertisement Mr Dan was previously mayor of Bucharest (AP) Cristian Andrei, a Bucharest-based political consultant, says that forming a new cabinet will be 'a major test' that will indicate whether Mr Dan is capable of mediating between the fragmented political parties. 'Dan will face fierce resistance from the state apparatus and old politicians in his pursuit to start reforms,' he told The Associated Press. 'Although the economic crisis is urgent, the political and societal divisions are those that the new president has to address in the longer term.' He added that, with populism growing in popularity, a deeper political crisis was 'put on hold and a new one will be in the making' ahead of future elections. 'The success of his presidency will decide if we can avert such a crisis or not,' he said. A day after he won the presidency, Mr Dan had a call with Nato Secretary-General Mark Rutte, in which he declared Romania 'will remain a steadfast ally' within the alliance.
