Calin Georgescu, the radical outsider whose shock win of the first round of presidential elections last year led to allegations of Russian interference and an unprecedented decision to cancel the election has announced his retirement from political life.
Georgescu, who was barred from taking part in the May redo of the election, was favored to hold a a key position in the government if nationalist frontrunner George Simion had won the runoff, in which he was beaten by centrist Nicusor Dan.
He is indicted on six counts in connection with his bid to become president, including trying to undermine the constitutional order, promoting fascist leaders and lying about campaign financing. Had Simion won, he was expected to pardon him, and make him prime minister.
But on the day when Dan, the former mayor of Bucharest took office, Georgescu said he was withdrawing from politics.
„The elections for the position of President of Romania in 2025 have ended. Along with them, I have chosen to end my active involvement in the political process, considering that this phase of the ‘sovereignist’ movement has ended,” he said in a video.
“I (will) focus my attention and energy on my family, which needs calm, but more than anything their health, after this tumultuous period,” Călin Georgescu said.
“My only loyalty remains to the Romanian people whom I love and will always respect. I choose not to participate in current or future political debates. However, if I see that the rights of those who have chosen differently are violated, I will get involved again with a clear voice to defend the principles of democracy and freedom. Let our collective choice be the path of wisdom, peace, and social tranquility,” stated Călin Georgescu.
Georgescu won the first round of the presidential elections on November 24 with 23% of the vote despite polling in single figures before the election. The election was annulled by the Constitutional Court after intelligence reports of Russian meddling. Moscow has denied interference.
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