Experts: Călin Georgescu will continue to challenge the institutions of the Romanian state, with the support of Russia
Romanian society is at a standstill, the political class must reinvent itself, and what is happening in the streets and online is fertile ground for propaganda, conspiratorialism and the radicalization of Romanian citizens, warns Bucharest-based expert Laurențiu Pleșca. The analyst warned, on the show ÎN CONTEXT, that the authorities must be vigilant in countering legionary movements and extremism promoted by politicians such as the pro-Russian nationalist Călin Georgescu.
"The Romanian authorities, although late, start to take action in this complicated case. The evidence suggests an intense promotion of fascist legionary movements. There are also indications of the involvement of the Russian Federation in the electoral process in Romania. It has not been made public, but evidence will probably emerge regarding the financing of Călin Georgescu's electoral campaign, and some people from his entourage were in Moscow. There is evidence suggesting the involvement of considerable sums of money in Georgescu's campaign, despite his statements that he paid "zero" for his campaign."
The expert emphasized that the detention of Călin Georgescu represents only one political episode in a complex of judicial actions. "Georgescu's detention is only an electoral catalyst for the extreme right in Romania. It will continue to challenge the institutions of the Romanian state, with the influence of the Russian Federation. Russia is capitalizing politically on what is happening in Romania," concluded Laurențiu Pleșca.
Columnist Nicolae Negru drew attention to the external influence in the electoral processes in various states, emphasizing the involvement of both Russia and the United States. According to Negru, both Moscow and Washington are trying to create networks of political allies in different regions of the world, including Europe. “Meetings were even organized with one of the leaders of alternative Germany, who largely supports Russia and plays to Moscow’s advantage. The United States is trying to create a network of political allies, and some politicians in Washington seem to want to attract a part of the right-wing European politicians to their side.”
Negru also emphasized the risks in the election of Călin Georgescu. “It is possible that some right-wing leaders are financed by Russia and, although they also thank the Americans, they are carrying out Moscow’s orders. It is a risky game, and this is exactly what we see in Germany, but also in Bucharest. (...) I don't understand why they decided that this candidate, Călin Georgescu, would better represent the interests of the United States, democracy or pluralism. It's a contradiction.”
Călin Georgescu, a candidate in the cancelled presidential elections in Romania, was detained by prosecutors from the General Prosecutor's Office in Bucharest on Wednesday. The pro-Russian candidate was taken to the Prosecutor's Office for questioning. Also, Romanian authorities carried out almost 50 searches in five counties – Sibiu, Mureș, Timiș, Ilfov and Cluj – as part of an investigation into the cancellation of the presidential elections in December last year. Georgescu was subsequently officially charged with six crimes, including actions against the constitutional order; initiating or establishing an organization with a fascist, racist or xenophobic character; and promoting the cult of persons guilty of committing crimes of genocide.
We remind you that on December 6, the Constitutional Court in Bucharest decided to cancel the presidential elections amid the declassification of information from the secret services, which indicated Russian interference in the elections.
Russian President Vladimir Putin mocked the situation related to the recount of votes in Romania, immediately after the November 24, 2024 election, stating: "A candidate did not please the authorities." According to some articles, the administration of US President Donald Trump also exerted pressure not to prevent Călin Georgescu's candidacy in the 2025 presidential elections, and Elon Musk had a post apparently in his favor.
