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Romanian prosecutors question far-right frontrunner in presidential election probe

26 February 2025 16:55 (UTC +04:00)

Romanian prosecutors summoned the frontrunner in last year's cancelled presidential election, far-right candidate Calin Georgescu, for questioning on Wednesday as part of their wider investigation into the vote, judicial sources said, APA reports.

The presidential ballot was voided in December on account of suspected Russian interference in favour of Georgescu, a strong critic of NATO and Western support for Ukraine. Moscow denied the accusations of meddling in the vote.

Prosecutors launched a criminal investigation following the cancellation amid accusations of wrongdoing ranging from campaign funding fraud and promoting anti-Semitism and hate speech to acts against the constitutional order.

Georgescu is not currently considered a suspect.

Prosecutors also said on Wednesday they had raided 47 addresses of people and associations connected to Georgescu. Earlier this month they raided the home of his campaign manager.

Georgescu accused authorities of behaviour reminiscent of Romania's communist past.

Members of U.S. President Donald Trump's administration have sharply criticised Romania for annulling its election. U.S. Vice President JD Vance said the cancellation meant Romania does not share American values, while billionaire Elon Musk labelled the chief judge of the top court that annulled the vote a "tyrant".