On March 6, a Romanian court upheld preventative measures against Calin Georgescu, the leading candidate of Romania's canceled presidential election, pending a criminal investigation into charges that include promoting antisemitism. Prosecutors formally charged him with six offenses like membership in a fascist organization, promoting war criminals, and disseminating false information about campaign financing last month.
Despite the accusations, Georgescu denied any wrongdoing. His challenge to the preventative measures was later rejected by a Bucharest district court as "unfounded." These measures require him to remain in the country, refrain from owning firearms, and avoid sharing xenophobic or antisemitic content on social media.
In a separate development on the same day, the European Court of Human Rights dismissed Georgescu's appeal against the annulled election. Although Georgescu continues to lead in voter polls for the upcoming May election, his eligibility to run is uncertain.
Georgescu has publicly commended Romania's fascist leaders from the 1930s as patriots and martyrs, despite Romania's strict ban on glorifying fascist leaders or Nazi symbols, which carries a potential prison sentence.
Following the election's cancellation, U.S. Vice President JD Vance and billionaire Elon Musk criticized Romania. In contrast, the German, French, and Dutch ambassadors expressed support for Romania and its judicial independence.