Calin Georgescu, a far-right former presidential candidate in Romania, faces serious legal consequences as he has been charged with attempting to stage a coup after his electoral victory was annulled last December. Along with Georgescu, Horatiu Potra, a former French legionnaire and militia leader in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and 20 other individuals have also been implicated in the alleged conspiracy.
The plot revolved around a planned raid on Romania’s capital, Bucharest, scheduled for December 8, which Romanian police successfully thwarted. Prosecutors argue that this scheme aimed to undermine the country's constitutional order, involving foreign intelligence connections that seek to destabilize Romania's democratic processes.
Authorities allege that Georgescu and Potra coordinated their actions during a meeting at a horse farm shortly after the annulment of Georgescu's election results, although Georgescu initially denied attending the meeting. He later conceded its occurrence after photographic evidence emerged in the media, yet he maintains he did not discuss plans for an insurrection.
A late February police operation revealed a cache of weapons, gold, and cash tied to the coup plan, while Potra is currently believed to be outside Romania and may seek asylum in Russia.
Georgescu, 63, had previously emerged as a surprise frontrunner in the first round of Romania's presidential election last November. However, the Constitutional Court annulled the results shortly before the second round due to allegations of Russian interference and a broad influence campaign aimed at undermining the electoral integrity. Romanian intelligence services indicated that Georgescu's rise had been artificially amplified by a foreign influence operation.
Prosecutors have labeled the annulment as part of a “hybrid war” led by Russian entities, coinciding with cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns targeting Romanian vital institutions. Additionally, they highlighted the extensive use of social media networks to enhance pro-Georgescu messaging, which appears to have played a crucial role leading up to the controversial election.
Georgescu has yet to publicly respond to his charges, although he has recently accused the Romanian government of “deceit, intrigue, and division” in its ruling practices. The date for his trial is yet to be announced, but it could begin as early as 2026, shedding more light on this emerging political scandal in Romania.
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