Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu commented on Digi 24 TV about the arrest of former presidential candidate Calin Georgescu, stressing that “the judiciary is independent and the law must be applied without exceptions“, BTA reports.
“I will never comment on the decisions of the judiciary or the investigations of prosecutors. Romania is a democracy in which the separation of powers functions fully. The law must be respected, while guaranteeing the fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens,“ said Ciolacu.
He added that in the context of the upcoming elections, the judicial authorities must present “extremely solid evidence“ to avoid political speculation.
Opposition and far-right react
Elena Lasconi, leader of the opposition Union for the Salvation of Romania (SSR) and a potential opponent of Georgescu in the run-off, said she had confidence in the judiciary:
“If there is clear evidence, Georgescu must answer to the law. Democracy, however, means letting people run and people decide.“
The leader of the far-right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR), Gheorghe Simion, who supports Georgescu, expressed doubts about the motives of the investigation:
“Until we see irrefutable evidence, we suspect that this is political policing.“
Serious charges against Georgescu
The former presidential candidate was stopped by police and taken for questioning to the General Prosecutor's Office. This came after a large-scale operation that included 47 searches in different counties of Romania. The investigation is related to the financing of the election campaign and alleged participation in an organization of a fascist, xenophobic and racist nature.
According to Romanian media, Georgescu is accused of propagating fascist ideals, as well as of elevating into a cult of personalities guilty of genocide and war crimes. If found guilty, he faces between 6 months and 15 years in prison.
The presidential election scandal
Calin Georgescu surprisingly won the first round of the presidential election on November 24, 2024. On December 6, the Constitutional Court annulled the results due to suspicions of foreign interference. Reports from Romanian services revealed that his campaign on social networks, especially on TikTok, cost over 1 million euros, although he officially declared “zero lei” expenses.
The case is shaking up the Romanian political scene, and the investigation could have long-term consequences for the country's democratic process.