Calin Georgescu, the former presidential candidate from Romania's far-right, is facing serious charges for allegedly attempting to orchestrate a coup. These charges come after the annulment of the first round of the presidential elections in December 2024. Alongside Georgescu, Horatiu Potra, a former French legionnaire, and 20 other individuals have also been implicated in this case.
The alleged conspiracy revolves around a planned attack on Romania's capital, Bucharest, which was successfully thwarted by police on December 8, 2024. Romanian prosecutors assert that the plot aimed to undermine the nation's constitutional order, citing the involvement of Georgescu, Potra, and their associates, some of whom are believed to have links with foreign intelligence.
According to investigators, Potra and his supporters were charged with instigating the coup, while Georgescu is accused of conspiring with them. Prosecutors have evidence suggesting Georgescu met with Potra at a horse farm shortly after the annulment of last year’s election results, a meeting initially denied by Georgescu until photographic evidence surfaced.
In late February, authorities executed multiple raids across Romania, seizing weapons, gold, and cash indicative of planning a violent power takeover. Notably, it is reported that Potra might have fled the country and is considering asylum in Russia.
Georgescu, who unexpectedly came first in the first round of the presidential elections before his victory was annulled due to alleged Russian interference, has yet to publicly address the mounting charges against him. Following the annulment, Romanian officials highlighted concerns regarding external influence, particularly from Russian cyber operations, which they claim sought to impact the electoral process.
The accusations have underscored a growing narrative of hybrid warfare and disinformation campaigns in Romania, where authorities allege that over 2,000 Facebook pages were dedicated to amplifying pro-Georgescu sentiment, alongside TikTok networks with automated accounts supporting his campaign. As the political situation escalates, the implications of these events could ripple through Romania's political landscape as citizens await the next developments and a potential trial set for early 2026.
