Romania's top courts have lifted the ban on his candidacy in a rerun of the presidential election and have rejected an appeal by far-right politician Karin Georgek to raise anger among supporters.
Moscow-friendly populist Georzuk spiked from almost anywhere to win the first round of last year's election, but the Romanian topcoat was nullified as Russian interference was suspected.
Amid allegations of “large” social media manipulation, he was subjected to criminal investigation last month with six charges, including false statements about funding a campaign, misuse of digital technology and promoting fascist organizations. He denied any misconduct.
The unanimous ruling by the Bucharest Constitutional Court came two days after the Central Election Bureau refused Georgek's candidacy for a rerun of the election scheduled for May. The court's decision is final.
Hundreds of Georgek supporters gathered near the courthouse responded by waving many Romanian flags and chanting “thief.”
Sunday's decision to ban candidates drew sharp criticism from Washington, with US presidential adviser Elon Musk posting, “This is crazy.” The billionaire returned to the subject on Monday, saying, “How can a judge end Romanian democracy?”
US vice president JD Vance had previously said that the abolition of the first round of votes showed Romania not sharing American values. Georgek, 62, a former government official, led the poll and was expected to win around 40% of the votes in May.
In response to Sunday's decision, Georgek said, “It's just the beginning… Europe is now a dictatorship.” Romania is under tyranny.”
In a Facebook video, he said: He urged supporters who clashed with police on Sunday night to refrain from violent protests.
Georgek praised Russian President Vladimir Putin as “a person who loves his country,” and praised fascist leaders in the 1930s. The promotion of fascist leaders and Nazi, racist or xenophobia symbols is prohibited under Romanian law.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
