In rare public comments on Wednesday, the chief judge of Romania's now-voided presidential election criticized the far-right, pro-Russian favored candidate for making anti-democratic and dangerous threats against the country's top court.
Before a second round of voting was canceled in December, the Constitutional Court acted on declassified security documents revealing suspicions of Russian interference in favor of NATO critic Calin Georgescu. Although Moscow denied any involvement, Georgescu's challenge against the cancellation has gained support from Europe's far-right groups.
Georgescu's eligibility to run again remains uncertain as prosecutors investigate his election campaign spending, which he claimed was zero. Recently, on a Romanian television station, he warned top court judges that they would be tried for high treason should he be elected.
Condemning the threats, Constitutional Court top judge Marian Enache stated in an interview with legal publication Juridice that manipulating votes through law-breaking, false promises, and threatening state institutions are fundamentally anti-democratic and perilous acts. He warned that such behavior could target any citizen who opposes Georgescu.
Despite requests for comment, Georgescu's campaign manager has not responded. The contentious candidate, who has made remarks in support of fascist leaders from Romania's past and has expressed admiration for the US and Russian presidents, has gained visibility on platforms belonging to controversial figures like Alex Jones. Billionaire Elon Musk, now an adviser to US President Donald Trump, has reposted some of Georgescu's comments on the social media platform X.
During a recent gathering in Munich, US Vice President JD Vance criticized the cancellation of Romania's election. Georgescu faces potential disqualification from the May election if he fails to meet candidacy criteria, possibly prompting a challenge at the constitutional court. Candidate submissions are expected around mid-March.
In a previous case last October, the top court barred a far-right politician from running due to her anti-Semitic and pro-Russian stances, a stance Georgescu shares.