Romanian ex candidate quits political life losing hope in system

(MENAFN) Calin Georgescu, who was once considered a leading contender in Romania’s presidential race, has announced his departure from the political life. This decision comes in the wake of a presidential election re-run, held earlier in May, which ended with a pro-European Union candidate emerging victorious. Georgescu had been excluded from participating in that re-run.

Previously affiliated with the United Nations, Georgescu entered the November 2024 election as an independent. His campaign centered around themes of national independence, skepticism toward Romania’s commitments to NATO as well as the EU, and opposition to ongoing military aid to Ukraine. Though he initially secured the most votes, the Constitutional Court later invalidated the result, citing campaign “irregularities” and intelligence alleging foreign—specifically Russian—interference. Moscow has denied any such involvement.

A new vote occurred on May 18 without Georgescu as a candidate.

In a video message released on Monday, Georgescu explained that he has decided to step away from active politics. “I have chosen to become a ‘passive observer of public and social life’,” he said, adding that the current phase of the sovereigntist movement has ended from his perspective.

He emphasized that he would not seek to lead or join any political party, nor would he pursue any governmental role “in the current situation.” Instead, his focus will now shift entirely to his personal life and family.

Despite his withdrawal, Georgescu left the door open for a potential return to public engagement, stating that he might re-enter if he sees that “the rights of those who have chosen differently are being violated or injustices and abuses arise.”

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