Romanian court upholds ban on Georgescu campaign after nation annulled election

The Romanian Constitutional Court on Monday upheld a decision by the nation's election authorities to reject the candidacy of Calin Georgescu, the right-wing candidate who won the first round of the country's now-annulled presidential elections.

Romanian authorities cancelled the first round of the presidential elections, alleging a Russian interference campaign had affected the results. The country is set to hold an entirely new presidential election, but the court ruling on Monday means that Georgescu will not be permitted to participate, the Associated Press.

Supporters of Georgescu have turned out in droves to protest the efforts to keep Georgescu off the ballot and many have demanded the resumption of the initial elections. Video footage from outside the court, saw thousands of protesters waving Romanian flags in support of Georgescu.

The developments previously drew criticism from Vice President JD Vance, who excoriated European leaders over their censorship policies in a speech last month.