On March 9, 2025, chaos erupted in Bucharest following the Central Electoral Bureau's (BEC) controversial decision to reject Călin Georgescu's candidacy for the upcoming presidential election. Horațiu Potra, currently wanted internationally, took to social media to rally his mercenaries and Georgescu's supporters, thereby inciting them to protest.
Potra's message, which he conveyed through internal communication channels, was charged with fervor as he claimed, "The coup by globalists is continuing; Romania should be revolting!" He painted the situation as dire, claiming thieves have plundered the country for 35 years and would perpetuate their thievery if not opposed. His impassioned words acted as a catalyst, resulting in heightened tensions among Georgescu's supporters, many of whom were eager to take their grievances to the streets.
Following the announcement from the BEC denying Georgescu the chance to run, supporters gathered en masse at its headquarters, leading to violent clashes with law enforcement. Witnesses reported protesters breaking down fences and clashing with jandarmes, who had to intervene to restore order. By the late hours of March 9, scenes of violence unfolded throughout the city. Supporters of Georgescu began throwing stones, firecrackers, and bottles at the police, eventually overturning a vehicle belonging to the news outlet Digi24.
Violent acts escalated quickly, and by 11:00 PM, reports indicated several injuries among gendarmes as police responded with tear gas to disperse the crowd. Potra had encouraged supporters to mobilize and prepare for confrontation, stating, "You protesters, show you are determined to defend democracy by any means!" This defiant tone encapsulated the sentiment echoing throughout the city's core.
Despite the violence, some protesters began to leave around 2:00 AM on March 10, yet significant destruction had already taken place. Many public properties were damaged, with street furniture being destroyed and garbage bins set ablaze, creating chaos within the heart of the city.
Alongside Potra and his fervent supporters, notable reactions to Georgescu's candidacy rejection came from various political figures. After the announcement, Georgescu himself stated, "This is a direct blow to the heart of world democracy," echoing sentiments of injustice felt among his supporters. Elon Musk, known to have previously supported Georgescu, described the BEC's decision as "madness," illustrating the shockwaves the incident sent through both national and international political communities.
Former Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta also responded to the turmoil, expressing strong opposition to the elimination of candidates through administrative means. He cautioned, "If this is about making room for certain individuals to maintain their power, the people will respond at the polls.” This sentiment of apprehension was mirrored by George Simion, the leader of AUR, who labeled Georgescu's exclusion as "abuse" and declared it part of a continuing coup attempt.
On the ground, Ana Maria Gavrilă, leader of POT and staunch supporter of Georgescu, declared, "We are living under dictatorship," following the BEC's actions. Her remarks and the reactions of both Ponta and Simion reveal the divisions forming within various political factions, driven by accusations of procedural irregularities and administrative abuse.
The atmosphere remained charged, with law enforcement reporting instances of violence as some protestors began breaking pieces of pavement to throw at the police. The tensions reached such heights, the jandarm decried the actions as perilous, stating, "Those committing violent offenses will be identified and prosecuted." This response was indicative of the authorities’ stance on managing the protests, calling for calm and peaceful demonstrations from the public.
The aftermath of the protests left the streets of Bucharest strewn with debris and signs of unrest, raising concerns over the stability of Romanian politics as it heads toward the elections. With Potra’s call to arms reverberated throughout the protest movements, the specter of instability lingers over the nation, provoking fears of what the future may hold.
What remains clear is the situation will not calm easily, as voices from both sides grow louder and more fervent. With calls for action and reports of unrest continuing, it is imperative for all parties involved to reflect on not just the immediate outcomes but the overarching impacts these electoral battles hold for Romania's democratic structure.