Photo: Cristian Stefanescu/DW
The Romanian capital experienced a large-scale outpouring of political emotions as thousands of activists from the right-wing Alliance for the Unification of Romanians took to the streets of Bucharest, demanding the resumption of the second round of the presidential election and the resignation of incumbent President Klaus Iohannis. The protest erupted after Romania’s Constitutional Court annulled the election results, sowing seeds of doubt and discontent among the population, Euronews reported.
The first round of elections held in November saw the victory of an independent nationalist and Eurosceptic candidate, Kelin Georgescu. The leader of the centre-right Union for the Salvation of Romania, Elena Lasconi, came second. The second round was supposed to take place on 8 December, but a court ruling invalidated the entire election process.
The demonstrators gathered under the slogans of justice and democracy, outraged by the decision, which they consider an attempt to usurp power by the current administration. “Restore the elections! Suspend Johannis!” were the chants of the protesters, who did not hide their frustration and anger.
Despite the unrest on the streets, the authorities remain steadfast. President Yohannis has not provided any official comment on the protesters’ demands, while representatives of the Constitutional Court claim that their goal is to ensure fair and transparent elections, free from any influence or manipulation.
The situation in Romania raises important questions about the strength of the country’s democratic institutions and the role of the judiciary in political life. The international community is closely monitoring the developments, which could have far-reaching implications for stability in the region.
