Romania’s Democracy Tested: Far-Right Frontrunner Barred from Presidential Race

Mace | 10th March 2025 | Uncategorised
Mogosoaia,,Romania.,1st,Dec,,2024:,Far-right,Ultranationalist,Runoff,Candidate,For

Romania bars far-right candidate Călin Georgescu from the presidential race, sparking protests and international scrutiny.

Romania's Central Electoral Bureau (BEC) has disqualified far-right candidate Călin Georgescu from the upcoming presidential election rerun, escalating political tensions and sparking violent protests in Bucharest. The decision follows the annulment of the previous election due to allegations of Russian interference aimed at favoring Georgescu's campaign. The exact reasons behind the BEC's ruling have not been fully detailed in official statements. However, reports have highlighted concerns about fraudulent practices and external influence operations, notably from Russia, during the annulled November 2024 election. In reaction to the BEC's decision, Georgescu's supporters flooded the streets of Bucharest, clashing with riot police. Protesters hurled rocks, firecrackers, and bottles, leading to injuries among law enforcement. Authorities responded with tear gas to disperse the crowds, underscoring the depth of public frustration surrounding the ban. Georgescu condemned the ruling, descr...

Subscribe to The Mace

Join the member community shaping British politics and stay ahead of what's really happening in the world of politics and public affairs, with expert analysis, breaking news, and insider insights from Westminster and Brussels. The Mace is the leading news source and resource for the government affairs industry, offering required reading and lobby intelligence for professionals.

To see what you are missing out on by not subscribing to The Mace, click here to download our full membership info-pack. This includes having no paywall on op-ed content or profiles/interviews, allowing professional profiles to be read with maximum impact and visibility by government, special advisers, MPs, peers, civil servants, and policy and political decision-makers.



Mandelson’s lobbying firm in disarray as CEO departs

Oliver Dean | February 6, 2026

Benjamin Wegg-Prosser, who co-founded the lobbying firm Global Counsel alongside Peter Mandelson has today resigned following significant backlash regarding the firm’s link to Jeffrey Epstein.

Russell Group turns to public policy veteran for next phase of university lobbying

Thomas Edwards | January 21, 2026

The Russell Group has picked Professor Libby Hackett, an Australia based public policy specialist, as its next chief executive, handing the UK’s most influential research university lobby to

Brussels Opens EU Arctic Policy Review With Public Consultation

Mace | December 29, 2025

The European Commission launches a public consultation to update EU Arctic policy amid climate pressures and rising geopolitical stakes.

China slaps dairy levies of up to 42.7 percent on EU exports

Mace | December 23, 2025

Beijing imposes provisional anti subsidy duties on EU dairy products, deepening trade tensions and hitting exporters across the bloc

Germany calls for overhaul of EU foreign subsidy rules

Mace | December 23, 2025

Berlin urges a full rethink of EU foreign subsidy controls, warning current rules impose heavy burdens and risk harming investment.

EU Council signs off delay and simplification of deforestation law

Mace | December 23, 2025

EU governments approve targeted revisions delaying the deforestation regulation, easing compliance demands while keeping core environmental safeguards in place

EU moves to expand carbon border levy to shut loopholes in polluting imports

Mace | December 19, 2025

Brussels plans to widen its carbon border levy, targeting downstream goods and loopholes to prevent carbon leakage and protect EU industry

Thai baht surge to multi year highs tightens squeeze on exporters

Mace | December 16, 2025

Thailand’s baht hits multi year peak, squeezing exporters and forcing policy makers to juggle currency stability, trade competitiveness and fragile economic recovery

Italy Joins Belgium in Challenging EU Plan to Use Frozen Russian Assets

Mace | December 15, 2025

Italy aligns with Belgium to oppose Brussels’ plan to deploy frozen Russian assets for Ukraine, complicating efforts ahead of key EU summit.

Democratic Led States Sue Trump Over $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee

Mace | December 13, 2025

Twenty US states challenge Trump’s $100,000 H-1B visa fee, arguing it exceeds presidential authority and threatens labour markets.