Warning: Violent Protests Could Erupt in Bucharest

Tensions are high in Bucharest following the Central Electoral Bureau’s (BEC) decision to invalidate Călin Georgescu’s presidential candidacy. Georgescu’s supporters took to the streets on Sunday night, clashing with law enforcement and raising concerns about further unrest.

Sunday Night’s Unrest

Outside the BEC headquarters in Bucharest’s Old Town, the protest escalated around 10:00 PM as demonstrators attempted to breach the security cordon protecting the institution. According to police reports, some protesters threw stones, firecrackers, and bottles at security forces, while others started fires and flipped over a local news station’s car. There were also reports of protesters ripping up pavement stones to throw at the gendarmes, along with plastic objects and eggs. Riot police responded to the violence by deploying tear gas to disperse the crowd.

As a result of the clashes, thirteen gendarmes were injured, with four requiring hospitalization. Police have identified over 500 people who participated in the protest and have initiated criminal reports for 11 offenses, including destruction of property. Damage included broken windows, destruction of street furniture, and burned trash bins.

The Central Electoral Bureau announced that Călin Georgescu’s candidacy was rejected because he failed to comply with electoral procedure rules, violating the obligation to defend democracy and fair elections. Georgescu, known for his critical stance towards Ukraine and NATO, has also expressed admiration for Russia and Romania’s fascist regime during World War II.

AUR leader George Simion, whose party supports Georgescu, has claimed that the violence was orchestrated to discredit the protest and undermine their movement. Simion alleges that the ruling coalition is plotting against AUR and Georgescu.

Potential for Further Protests

Recent events have heightened political tensions in Bucharest, raising concerns about potential violence ahead of the upcoming presidential election. While the long-term impact of Georgescu’s disqualification and the resulting protests remains to be seen, authorities and political analysts alike are closely monitoring the situation.

Visit Bucharest issued a warning regarding the potential of future protests in Romania’s Capital.