Romanian right-wing-leader and presidential contender Calin Georgescu steps down from politics
In a video message shared on social media, Georgescu said, 'The presidential elections have come to an end. With this in mind, I have decided to end my active participation in the political process, as I believe this stage of the sovereignty movement has come to a close.' He added that his decision was not a resignation, but 'a responsible choice,' and that he now intends to focus on his family, according to Politico.
Georgescu's brief rise stunned the Romanian political establishment.
In November 2024, he garnered 22.9% of the vote in the first round, catapulting him from political obscurity to national prominence. However, the Constitutional Court later annulled the result, citing credible evidence of foreign interference—reportedly involving Russian-backed influence campaigns on social media platforms such as TikTok.
The court barred Georgescu, a vocal critic of the EU and NATO, from running in the rescheduled May 2025 election citing national security concerns over alleged fascist ideologies.
The annulment sparked protests at home and condemnation abroad. High-profile figures including US Vice President JD Vance and billionaire Elon Musk accused Romanian authorities of suppressing the opposition.
The presidency was eventually won in May 2025 by centrist Bucharest Mayor Nicușor Dan, who defeated George Simion, leader of the nationalist AUR party and a close political ally of Georgescu.
Georgescu, who built a populist platform in Romania and was noted for both his nationalist stance, as well as his vocal criticism of the EU and NATO, had built a considerable voter base in the country, emerging as one of its most dominant political voices.
Regarding his leave from politics, he said he has no plans to join another party or movement. But his message to supporters ended with a warning: 'If the rights of those who choose differently are violated, I'll return with a clear voice to defend democracy.'
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