Romania Court has cancelled the presidential election after the allegations of Russian interference, triggering widespread political chaos and international scrutiny. The ruling came on Friday, mandates a complete re-run of the election process, which had been set to conclude this weekend. Russia has denied any involvement in the matter.
Sunday’s second round was expected to feature Calin Georgescu, a far-right, pro-Russian candidate who led in the first round, against Elena Lasconi, a centrist leader favoring the European Union. Georgescu appeared at the school where he would have voted, addressing supporters and reporters.
“We shall continue in the democratic manner,” Georgescu stated in English. “Democracy has been cancelled with the court’s decision, but we must work to restore it.”
Elena Lasconi also expressed concerns about the court’s ruling. In a letter addressed to US President-elect Donald Trump and shared on social media, she highlighted fears of democratic backsliding. “For 35 years, Romania has embraced democracy, but corruption and poor governance have failed its people,” she wrote. “We are at risk of slipping into dictatorship within the next 15 years, or even sooner.”
The court’s decision has sparked debate across the political spectrum. While Georgescu and Lasconi criticized the annulment as a threat to democracy, Social Democrat Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu defended the move, calling it “the only correct solution.”
If Georgescu were to secure the presidency in a re-run, Romania’s political landscape could shift dramatically. His platform includes aligning Romania more closely with pro-Russia states such as Hungary and Slovakia, while reducing support for Ukraine as it continues its defense against Russian aggression.
Georgescu’s supporters have also condemned the court’s decision. Sorin Scuratovschi, 46, called the ruling “an attack on democracy” and “totally unfair.”
The annulment raises significant questions about Romania’s democratic integrity and its future direction as a NATO and EU member. The election re-run will be closely watched both domestically and internationally.
