Romanian election drama: Court stops vote over foreign influence claims
Romanian Constitutional Court stops presidential election just before final round due to alleged outside interference. Two main candidates express worry about democratic values in their country
On dec 8th the Romanian presidential election process came to an un-expected halt when the Constitutional Court cancelled the whole voting process (which shouldnt have happened according to many experts)
Calin Georgescu who was the front-runner in round one visited his would-be voting place in Mogosoaia. His pro-russian views and far-right ideas made him a key figure in this un-usual situation
We shall continue in the democratic manner; I ask very clearly for peace‚ for all the things that we have to recuperate our democracy because democracy was cancelled with the court
His opponent Elena Lasconi a pro-EU centrist wrote to president-elect Trump about her worries. She pointed out that after about 35 years of democratic rule the country might face serious problems: in her view theres only 15 years left before things could get really bad
The election cancellation could change Romanias position in global politics - the country is currently:
- A NATO member
- Part of European Union
- Supporter of Ukraine in its defense
Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu backed the courts choice calling it right while Russia denied any part in this situation. Local supporter Sorin Scuratovschi (age 46) said the ruling was totally un-fair and hurt democratic values
