Romania’s leading presidential candidate appeals ban

Ultranationalist Calin Georgescu was the frontrunner for Romania’s presidential election this May. But electoral authorities banned him from running over the weekend, citing paperwork mistakes and unspecified concerns about this commitment to upholding the country’s constitution.

Georgescuhas appealed his exclusion.

The background: Last year, Georgescu – a once-fringe figure – won the first round of the presidential election after an 11th-hour flood of TikTok videos boosted his views: He opposes NATO’s help for Ukraine and admires Romania’s 20th-century fascist leaders. Authorities blamed a Russian influence campaign, without providing clear evidence, and canceled the results.

Why it matters: Foreign policy is one area where Romania’s mostly ceremonial presidency has real power. Romania, a NATO member, borders Ukraine and is a key piece of the alliance’s support for Kyiv.

Georgescu’s ban drew sharp reactions. Hundreds of his supporters clashed with police in Bucharest, and even Georgescu’s main opponent, pro-NATO candidate Elena Lasconi, who called the election annulment “an affront to the very essence of democracy,” has spoken out against the ban.

What’s next: Romania’s Constitutional Court will rule on the appeal by Wednesday.

The bigger question: Is it OK for a democracy to ban a leading candidate in the name of … democracy?