Protests Erupt in Romania Over Canceled Presidential Election

Tens of thousands of Romanians marched in Bucharest on Sunday, demanding the reinstatement of the presidential election and the resignation of outgoing President Klaus Iohannis. The outcry follows a controversial court ruling on December 6, voiding the election just days before the second round.

The top court's decision cited unfair advantages for frontrunner Calin Georgescu, a NATO critic, stemming from an alleged Russian-orchestrated social media campaign. Moscow has denied the accusations. The court ordered a full re-run of the election, with a tentative schedule for May 4 and May 18.

Iohannis, whose term expired on December 21, will remain in office until a successor is elected. The pro-European coalition government has yet to finalize the election timeline.

Sunday's protests were spearheaded by the hard-right Alliance for Uniting Romanians (AUR), Romania’s second-largest party. Protesters, including left-wing supporters and those opposing the election cancellation, called for the second round to proceed. AUR leader George Simion emphasized the need to "restore democracy."

While organizers claimed 100,000 attendees, police estimates placed the crowd at around 20,000. Protesters chanted "Freedom" and "Bring back the second round" while waving flags and carrying portraits of Georgescu.

Many expressed frustration with corruption and distrust in leadership. "Our right to vote was broken," said Bogdan Danila, a truck driver. Economist Cornelia, draped in the national flag, added, "At this rate, they’ll impose leaders like in the old days."

It remains uncertain whether Georgescu, who opposes Romania's support for Ukraine against Russia, will be allowed to run again.

The protest highlights growing dissatisfaction and concerns over democratic processes in Romania, reflecting deep divisions in the nation’s political landscape.