The largest demonstrations to date took place in Bucharest on Sunday against canceling the second round of the presidential elections. According to the police, people took part in the protest 20 thousand peopleorganizers say about 100 thousand demonstrators.
As reported by Reuters, participants marched through the capital Romania They chanted “Bring back the second round!” and “Freedom!”. “Democracy is not optional” the demonstrators' banners said.
Demonstrators are concerned about the state of democracy in Romania
– We demand it return to democracy by resuming the elections in the second round, he told journalists George Simionleader of the right-wing Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (GOLD), with which he was associated Calin Georgescuwinner of the first round of the canceled elections.
– Our right to vote has been broken – Bogdan Danila, a 43-year-old truck driver, told Reuters. – Moreover, Iohannis (the current president – ed.) was in power for ten years and did nothing for the people, while the parties betrayed usall are corrupt. We want something different, he added.
– They will impose a leader on us just like in the old days – Cornelia, a 57-year-old economist, commented in a conversation with reporters.
Success on TikTok and Russia's hybrid attack
On November 24, 2024, the first round of the Romanian presidential elections Calin Georgescu won sensationally with the support of 23 percent votes. On December 6, two days before the planned second round, the Romanian Constitutional Court invalidated the elections.
Georgescu's campaign benefited from TikTokawhere his films received over 52 million views within four days. Romania's Supreme Council of National Defense (CSAT) stated that TikTok had awarded Georgescu “preferential treatment”, which led to his “massive exposure”.
Judges unanimously decided to cancel the first round after receiving a large number of applications appealing to declassified files by CSAT, which referred to “aggressive, hybrid attacks Russia“
The Constitutional Court ordered a repeat of the elections, justifying the decision external interference. The judges cited art. 146f of the Romanian Constitutionaccording to which it is responsible for “compliance with the procedure election of president and approval of voting results.
Romania: New presidential elections in May
Center-right politician Elena Lasconiwhom Georgescu was supposed to face in the second round, condemned the decision of the Constitutional Court. In her opinion, the vote should take place normally to respect “the will of the nation Romanian”.
The leaders of the Romanian ruling coalition agreed to hold two rounds of elections on May 4 and 18. Until then, in office President Klaus Iohannis will remain.
It has not been determined whether Calin Georgescu will be eligible to start again.
Source: Reuters Agency