Calin Georgescu delivers a speech following his surprise win in the first round of presidential elections in Romania in November 2024. Photo: EPA-EFE/ROBERT GHEMENT.
A three-judge panel ruled on Monday that the case against Calin Georgescu can move forward to trial. He is charged with publicly endorsing individuals and ideas associated with Romania’s inter-war fascist movement, an offence under legislation aimed at combating extremism and the rehabilitation of totalitarian ideologies.
The ruling followed a closely contested deliberation. Two judges who examined the case last week were unable to reach a unanimous decision, leading to several postponements. Under procedural rules, a third judge was subsequently appointed to resolve the deadlock, ultimately tipping the balance in favour of advancing the case to trial.
Prosecutors say that between June 2020 and May 2025, Georgescu repeatedly endorsed fascist ideas in interviews, online posts and public appearances.
He is also accused of praising extremist historical figures, including Marshal Ion Antonescu, head of Romania’s fascist government during World War II and a convicted war criminal – as well as Corneliu Zelea Codreanu, the founder of the ultra-nationalist Legion of the Archangel Michael.
The legion combined extreme nationalism with anti-Semitism, religious mysticism and authoritarianism. It gained significant influence in the 1930s, becoming notorious for political assassinations, pogroms and a cult of martyrdom before being banned in 1941.
If found guilty, Georgescu could receive a prison sentence ranging from three months to three years, with the penalty potentially increased owing to the continuous nature of the alleged offences.
He has denied the charges. In a statement issued before the court’s decision, Georgescu said that “real justice requires real justice” and claimed that “the System is trying to bring me down … and that any decision taken against me would be nothing more than an ephemeral success”.
Georgescu is also under investigation for other serious offences, including complicity to undermine the constitutional order, spreading false information and founding an anti-Semitic organisation. He was indicted in September and faces ten to 20 years in prison if found guilty of these crimes.
He has also denied these charges.
Georgescu unexpectedly won the first round of the Romanian presidential elections in November 2024, but the Constitutional Court then ordered a rerun of the vote, citing alleged manipulation of public opinion by a “foreign state”, likely referring to Russia.
Georgescu, known for his advocacy of sovereignty and traditional social values, was banned from participating in the re-run in May 2025, which was ultimately won by centrist Nicusor Dan.